Manchester United left it late but rescued three points against Southampton thanks to a late hat-trick from Amad Diallo.
Southampton took the lead at Old Trafford following an unfortunate own goal from Manuel Ugarte but Amad Diallo single-handedly dragged the Red Devils to victory.
The Saints headed to Old Trafford with just six points on the board – the fewest of any top-flight team in history after 20 matches. They came worryingly close to adding points to their tally at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim said he would learn more about his players against Southampton than he has done in recent matches against Liverpool and Arsenal. He certainly will not like what he saw despite the victory. The Portuguese head coach cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines.
Here are five things learned from Manchester United’s win against Southampton:
Amad shines but wing-back woes remain
With Diogo Dalot suspended after his red card against Arsenal, Amorim was forced to make changes at wing-back.
Amad started on the right and Noussair Mazraoui was shifted to the left but United completely lacked balance and dropped far too deep to control possession like Amorim demanded.
Amorim wants to sign a left wing-back and he will want one urgently after this performance.
Amad single-handedly flipped the game on its head. He has proven that he is United’s most threatening forward and Amorim will desperately want to get him back in the No.10 position.
Alejandro Garnacho off the pace
Alejandro Garnacho has been in plenty of headlines this week amid reports that he could leave United this month.
Napoli bid £38m for Garnacho this week with Antonio Conte making him a top priority. Garnacho is open to joining Napoli, but Amorim decided to keep faith in the 20-year-old and start him at Old Trafford.
However, the academy star looked distracted against Southampton and his performance levels dropped well below his usual standard.
He missed an easy chance after being teed up by Rasmus Hojlund and frustratingly misplaced several passes that completely killed United’s tempo. He could have added an assist to his tally after finding Antony in the second half but the Brazilian was just as wasteful in front of goal.
Andre Onana repeats double-save heroics
Back in September, Andre Onana made an “exceptional” double save in the reverse fixture against Southampton. He also saved a penalty as United won 3-0 at St Mary’s.
Once again, Onana was superb against Southampton and denied the visitors with another jaw-dropping double save in the first half. He also got a hand to the deflection for the opening goal but was unable to keep it out.
United were extremely disappointing here but Onana can hold his head high.
Set piece problems persist
Amorim will be growing tired of watching his side concede from corners.
Defending set pieces was a huge focus against Arsenal, and Amorim praised his set-piece coaches after United coped well against the Gunners.
However, it didn’t last long. Southampton opened the scoring when United target Tyler Dibling flicked the ball on at the near post and it deflected off Manuel Ugarte.
Leny Yoro torn apart
Before kick-off, Amorim was full of praise for Leny Yoro, hailing him as the “future” of the club.
However, United’s £52m summer signing had his worst game in a United shirt so far. Yoro struggled up against Kamaldeen Sulemana, who beat him on several occasions.
There are plenty of signs that Yoro will develop into a world-class defender, but he proved against the Saints that he has a long road ahead of him.
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