Manchester United have eased the growing pressure on Erik ten Hag after a 3-0 victory for the Red Devils against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
Andre Onana saved a Cameron Archer penalty in the first half after a Diogo Dalot foul in the penalty box but the Cameroon goalkeeper saved the Englishman’s spot kick.
From there, United dominated. Matthijs De Ligt headed in a brilliant Bruno Fernandes cross to give United the lead before a brilliant Marcus Rashford shot from the edge of the box gave United the points.
Substitute Alejandro Garnacho made the game safe late on with a brilliant finish into the roof of the net to give the Red Devils a vital win.
Here are five things we learned.
Marcus Rashford is back in form
It had been a poor start to the season for Rashford and there were calls from United fans for Erik ten Hag to drop the English winger.
However, against Southampton at St Mary Stadium, Rashford looked back to his best and scored a brilliant goal from outside the box.
The goal no doubt meant a lot to him and the hope will now be that the Englishman can kick on and have a season similar to the 2022/23 campaign under Ten Hag.
Matthijs De Ligt silences critics
During the international break, De Ligt came under fire for his Netherlands performances and a return to United, who looked to be in chaos, was probably not ideal for the Dutchman.
However, during the rocky start against Southampton De Ligt was brilliant defensively stopping a certain goal with a vital boot to deny a tap-in for Cameron Archer.
Up the other end, after Onana’s penalty save, after a brilliant cross from Fernandes, De Ligt rose highest to beat Aaron Ramsdale in the Southampton goal.
It was a confidence-boosting moment for the Dutch defender.
Andre Onana redeems himself after a poor start
Another player who was beginning to become under pressure from the United fanbase was Andre Onana, who fans felt the Cameroon goalkeeper could have done better with Liverpool’s goals before the international break.
After a daft challenge from Diogo Dalot in the penalty area, Cameron Archer stepped up for Southampton but it was a brilliant save from Onana to deny the English forward.
It was a great stop to deny Archer; perhaps that penalty stop could be the catalyst for Onana to get him out of this rut.
Midfield decision pays off for Erik ten Hag
Manuel Ugarte was certainly ready to start for United after his appearances on international duty but Ten Hag decided to go with Christian Eriksen.
Starting Eriksen alongside Kobbie Mainoo, both ball-playing midfielders, was certainly a risk but after a poor start for the Red Devils, the pair excelled.
Easing Ugarte in would certainly be a smart idea and that decision from Ten Hag paid dividends for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag eases growing pressure
Following United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, the pressure was beginning to grow on Ten Hag with the Red Devils being humbled at Old Trafford against Arne Slot’s side.
However, this victory and how United won the game, will surely be a boost for the Dutchman and they must build on this.
With winnable fixtures coming up for United, Ten Hag’s side have to build up a winning momentum before the fixtures get really tough.
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