Manchester United picked up a first away win of the season on Saturday afternoon, beating Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium.
Erik ten Hag was seeking a big response from his Manchester United players after the international break.
United lost 3-0 at home to Liverpool before the break and left fans desperate for a rebound performance against the Saints.
Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho all found the net as United coasted to a 3-0 win over Southampton.
This was the morale-booster United needed after two defeats in a row, easing the scrutiny on Ten Hag.
United’s attention now turns to the EFL Cup against Barnsley before taking on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Former Manchester United defender praised
Elsewhere in the Premier League this weekend, Ipswich Town produced an impressive, battling display to draw 0-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Seagulls have enjoyed a strong start to the season and United came unstuck with a late defeat at the Amex Stadium in August.
Ipswich managed to frustrate Brighton though and a star man in their performance was former United defender Axel Tuanzebe.
Tuanzebe left United on a free transfer in 2023 after spending 17 years in the club’s ranks, but made just 37 first-team appearances.
Former United coach Kieran McKenna lured Tuanzebe to Ipswich and he played an important role as the club won promotion.
Tuanzebe lined up as a right back against Kaoru Mitoma and did a superb job against Brighton’s star winger.
McKenna has now heaped praise on Tuanzebe for his performance against the Seagulls, telling TWTD that he is so happy for Tuanzebe having taken a big step forward in his career.
McKenna highlighted that Tuanzebe was a free agent this time last year but is now locking down top Premier League wide men.
The Ipswich boss feels that Tuanzebe offers a strong option at right back alongside Ben Johnson with the former United man now proving his doubters wrong.
“Really happy for him as well with the journey that he’s been on,” said McKenna.
“This time last year, he was out of contract, had played very little football in probably a couple of seasons and there were question marks around his ability to get back to playing as many games as he had.
“But he’s got stronger and stronger as the time’s gone on. He finished last season really, really well and he’s stepped into it this season and he’s showing his qualities.
“There are so many good wingers in the league now, so many teams playing with out-and-out wingers on both sides and wrong-footed wingers on both sides that his one-v-one qualities, the way that he can shut down some very good wingers and, of course, he had his hands full today against a top winger.
“I think he enjoyed the battle and he did a really good job in that jewel and was well supported by his teammates. Another good step for him and with him and Ben we’re really, really strong in that position,” he added.
Troy Deeney joins in Axel Tuanzebe praise
Tuanzebe’s display landed him a spot in Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week for BBC Sport.
Deeney praised Tuanzebe for dealing with Mitoma with ‘excellent’ defending whilst also offering a threat going forward.
“He absolutely dealt with Kaoru Mitoma. He is obviously really good – excellent defending and he did well going forward. He contributed to another clean sheet for Ipswich on the road,” said Deeney.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was even impressed, picking out Tuanzebe for praise after his display against Mitoma.
“He’s in good condition but today he [was up against] a very, very strong defender,” said Hurzeler whilst speaking to TWTD.
“I think one of the fastest opponents he can face, so I think if there will be just a little bit slower defender, then there will be moments where we could even create more chances. We didn’t do it, so I have to say compliments for how they defended, with how many players they defended with and the consequence of how they defended. They made it difficult for Mitoma and for my wingers,” he added.
Tuanzebe is earning rave reviews and the move to Ipswich appears to be paying dividends.
The chances at United just weren’t coming but it’s still great to see a former United academy star getting his career back on track and shining in the Premier League.
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