If Erik ten Hag was to script an ideal win for Manchester United after two losses in the first three league games, it would be this.
A 3-0 win where Matthijs de Ligt stormed back into form with his maiden goal for the club, Marcus Rashford broke his goalscoring duck, Manuel Ugarte made his debut in comfort, and much more.
Alejandro Garnacho continued his super-sub role, taking his breakout season to the next level, Joshua Zirkzee was at his best dropping deep and linking up, and even shock selection call Christian Eriksen impressed.
One man, however, from whom expectations are so high that good is not good enough, was back to his monstrous best.
Lisandro Martinez dominates
For Lisandro Martinez, this is a season of redemption. After becoming a bonafide fan favourite at the end of his first season at the club, the second was an injury-riddled nightmare.
This season, he has shaken off those worries but uncertainty in his defensive partners and a shaky setup has seen his defence concede plenty of chances.
Not against Southampton, though, as along with De Ligt, Martinez showed signs of forming a partnership that might form the bedrock of future successes.
He was everywhere in defence, sweeping up behind his teammates, tackling on the front foot, playing it from the back or even carrying it himself.
The domination was reflected in his numbers too. He finished the game with a 97% passing accuracy (58/60), completing both of his dribbles, and both his tackles and winning all of his duels.
Add to that seven ball recoveries and four interceptions, and this was truly an all-action display for the player United fans affectionately call “The Butcher”.
The importance of Martinez
There has been a concerted effort from Man United this season to play out from the back, bait the press, and then pass through it.
The signing of Matthijs de Ligt goes some way towards accomplishing this, so will the integration of Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee into the team.
However, for that work well, they absolutely need Martinez to be at his aggressive best.
More than just his quality with the ball, Martinez is the beating heart of the team emotionally and in moments of pressure.
The whole team looks like it plays better and with more confidence if Martinez is dominating the opposite forward and playing his trademark raking passes from deep.
The effect of his absence was clear as day last season, and everyone at the club would hope that the benefit of his presence is felt this season too.
Southampton should be where it all began.
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