Sometimes, the solution to a problem can be the simplest.
Keep your key players fit, and maybe bring in an elite-level operator to complement them, and it’s no wonder your defence suddenly looks a whole lot stronger.
Manchester United endured a dreadful campaign from a defensive point of view in 2023/24.
But it should not be forgotten that Erik ten Hag presided over a Golden Glove-winning backline during his debut campaign at the 13-time Premier League champions.
And maybe, just maybe, there is a chance that very same prize returning to Old Trafford providing Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui stay fit and Andre Onana remains focused between the sticks.
Manchester United cruise past Southampton at St Mary’s
Former Ajax duo De Ligt and Martinez were near-faultless at the back. A tantalising glimpse into things to come from two potentially world-class centre-halves who compliment each other perfectly on paper.
De Ligt – silencing his critics after a tough international break – was colossal in his own box and in the opposition one too. After opening the scoring from a Bruno Fernandes cross, De Ligt nearly doubled his tally before half-time.
Martinez produced arguably his best display of the season too. Fierce in the tackle and brave on the ball.
And for Peter Crouch, the former Southampton striker, De Ligt, Martinez and penalty-killer Onana who deserve so much credit for a 3-0 win that will make Erik ten Hag’s life a little easier for the next few days at least.
“Exactly what they needed, what the manager needed,” Crouch tells TNT Sports (14th September, 2.30pm). “At times in the second-half, it was at a canter really. It felt like they were in second gear.
“Obviously, they capped it at the end with the goal (from Alejandro) Garnacho). They deserved it.
“I thought the two centre-backs formed a really good centre-half at the back. Obviously, Marcus Rashford, getting the goal…
“A perfect afternoon for Man United really.”
“I think he has got the mentality to be at a big club,” Crouch adds of Onana, recalling a conversation he had with United legend Rio Ferdinand during the goalkeeper’s difficult start to life at Old Trafford.
“I remember speaking to Rio after a couple of high profile errors. And (Onana said) ‘It’s football’. (The criticism) bounces off him.
“If you are going to be at Man United, where the scrutiny is intense, it’s cut throat business. And he seems to take it in his stride.”
Marcus Rashford gets off the mark for 2024/25
Onana – praised by De Ligt at full-time – denied Southampton the opener as he darted to his right and pushed aside Cameron Archer’s spot-kick.
Rashford, meanwhile, looked quicker, stronger and sharper after being put through his paces during the international break. His first goal of the season was beautifully taken – laser-guided into the far corner – and only an Aaron Ramsdale save denied him a thumping second from long-range.
“Listen, he’s not there yet, it’s only one game. But I though there was lots of positives,” adds Crouch, who scored 12 Premier League goals in the 2004/25 campaign at The Saints. “He takes a hammering and I feel sorry for him at times.
“He has got so much talent. There was a certain hunger to him today. Look at the pace and how dynamic the running is. I definitely thought he was sharper than he was in previous weeks.”
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
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