Manchester United eased to their second win in eight away games since the start of the 2023/24 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over newly-promoted Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.
After going through a torrid beginning of this season, Erik Ten Hag’s side responded to two successive defeats with a much-needed victory against a Southampton side that is still searching for the first points this season. The Saints began brightly as 18-year-old Tyler Dibling was forced into an early save from André Onana. Dibling’s invention continued to test the United backline, who then conceded a penalty as the teenager was fouled by Diogo Dalot. However, Onana kept out Cameron Archer from the spot, crucially keeping the game level.
United responded soon after. Aaron Ramsdale produced a fine save to deny Joshua Zirkzee, but from the resulting corner, Matthijs De Ligt headed home his first goal for the club. The Red Devils doubled their lead just before halftime as Marcus Rashford ended his nine-game Premier League goal drought with a curling strike off the post.
The second half flowed without much change, as United took charge in a more composed way. Rashford remained an eternal threat as Ramsdale again made another fine save from distance. Southampton had possession but found it difficult to carve out good opportunities, while United never looked in danger.
A late red card for Jack Stephens, after a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho, sealed Southampton’s fate. Garnacho added a third in stoppage time, firing home from Dalot’s assist to cap off a commanding performance.
The win sends Manchester United up the table, doubling their points tally, as Southampton’s fourth loss in as many games leaves them rooted in the relegation zone at this early stage of the season.
