BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt praised his teammate following their Premier League victory over Southampton, saying, “We aimed to make up for our previous performance, and we succeeded thanks to him. His football intelligence was crucial; without it, we wouldn’t have won. He definitely altered the game.”

Manchester United secured their second Premier League win of the season in a composed 3-0 victory over Southampton. This much-needed result came after a challenging start to the campaign, easing pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and his squad. United displayed strong team cohesion, with three well-executed goals and a clean sheet, despite facing some injury concerns.

The match could have taken a different direction early on when Diogo Dalot conceded a penalty. Southampton had the opportunity to disrupt United’s control, but goalkeeper Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s penalty, a crucial moment that kept the scoreline level and deflated Southampton’s attack.

Onana’s penalty save was a turning point, allowing United to dominate the match. Defender Matthijs de Ligt, pivotal in securing United’s second clean sheet of the season, praised the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s performance. After enduring criticism from recent performances, De Ligt delivered an impressive display, both defensively and offensively.

He scored the opening goal with a precise header from a Bruno Fernandes cross, shifting momentum firmly in United’s favor. Marcus Rashford soon followed with a stunning curling shot, further showcasing United’s growing proficiency in set pieces, an area they have been refining under set-piece coach Andreas Georgson.

As the game progressed, United maintained control, and the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho added extra energy to their attack. Garnacho capped off his strong performance with a well-placed goal after excellent build-up play. United’s dominance continued as they comfortably saw out the game, taking a crucial three points.

Looking ahead, Erik ten Hag can draw confidence from this victory. The team’s clean sheet, clinical finishing, and ability to stay composed under pressure reflect positive signs of growth. Onana’s penalty save was critical, serving as the catalyst for the team’s overall success.

Players like De Ligt, Rashford, and Garnacho were able to shine, showcasing their quality in a match that ended on a high note. United’s goal is to build on this momentum and continue climbing the Premier League table, hoping to turn this early-season boost into sustained success.