Manchester United’s excellent start to the Premier League season continued on Saturday, as Bruno Fernandes supplied a clean finish to guide Erik ten Hag’s team to a 1-0 win over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.
After both teams were wasteful in front of goal in the first half, Fernandes scored the game’s sole goal in the 55th minute, volleying into the bottom left corner after connecting nicely with Diogo Dalot’s cross.
The win, United’s second in a row, snapped a seven-match losing record on the road dating back to last season and propelled them to the sixth position after four games.
It is also the club’s first back-to-back league victory since February.
“We anticipated it would be difficult playing against Southampton.” We’ve seen it before: sometimes you have to suffer. Every game is difficult. Congratulations on your three points. “We’ve got to keep going now,” Fernandes said after the game.
“It’s critical because one or two wins will not get you into the league.” Everyone felt it after Liverpool. We set the benchmark. Therefore we must continue and, if possible, improve.
“We did not lose at home two or three seasons ago, but we want to win every game; that’s what it’s about to play for Manchester United.”
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the bench for Manchester United in the 68th minute to replace Jadon Sancho, while Casemiro made his debut after joining the club on Tuesday.
United boss ten Hag stated that while his team may have produced more opportunities at the start of the game, he is pleased with their overall performance.
“I believe the guys learned something from Brentford.” We were more compact on the long balls. Of course, we were ecstatic. “We could have scored more goals,” Ten Hag said.
“I think the best aspect of us was that we held control after halftime.” We changed things up and generated three excellent chances just after halftime, which is how I want us to play.
“I still believe there is room for improvement, for more control, but we are not far away.” We can improve.”
United should have gone ahead in the 19th minute with an unchanged squad from their 2-1 win against Liverpool. Still, Gavin Bazunu and Armel Bella-Kotchap saved Anthony Elanga and Christian Eriksen from close range.
Despite controlling possession in the second half, the hosts could not equalise, with chances from Che Adams and Joe Aribo saved by United goalkeeper David de Gea.
Southampton’s finest game chance came in the dying minutes when Dalot cleared Sékou Mara’s bicycle kick off the line.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl expressed delight in his team’s performance on Saturday following the game.
“I’m quite proud of what the men accomplished today. They did an excellent job from the start. We had some good moments and opportunities, and we took advantage of them. We deserved better, but football can sometimes be cruel, “Hasenhuttl explained.
“I’m not afraid of this team because they fight for our goals, which is encouraging.”
