Manchester United escaped with a victory against Southampton at St Mary’s, with Romelu Lukaku’s first-half goal enough for José Mourinho’s men to come away with all three points.
United fielded the same side that put Everton to the sword last weekend, and the Reds went ahead after 20 minutes. Ashley Young delivered a wonderful cross into the path of Lukaku, whose initial effort was well saved by Fraser Forster, but the Belgian made no mistake with the rebound.
From then on, it was a game of chess, with Mauricio Pellegrino’s side pushing forward for an equaliser and United looking to hit them on the counter. However, the Reds’ play in the final third was lacking and in the second half, it was all Southampton.
The Saints’ best chances fell to Oriol Romeu, who prodded wide from inside the six-yard box early in the second half, before having his goal-bound effort cleared by Marouane Fellaini with about 20 minutes remaining.
Southampton continued to push in the final stages, but they could not break down United, who had Mourinho sent to the stands in stoppage time. The Reds remain unbeaten, but drop to second on goal difference behind Manchester City.
Here are the player ratings from St Mary’s:
