Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho grabbed a goal apiece to fire Manchester United to a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Southampton at St Marys.
After making a positive start to the contest, Southampton were given the chance to go to the penalty spot after academy product Tyler Dibling was brought down by Diogo Dalot.
However, Cameron Archer was unable to take advantage of the golden opportunity, seeing his spot kick saved before he headed the follow-up straight at Andre Onana.
The Saints were ultimately made to rue that missed opportunity as Man United broke the deadlock through summer signing De Ligt, who steered a header past Aaron Ramsdale to score his first Premier League goal.
Rashford subsequently doubled Man United’s tally in the 41st minute, curling a low shot into the bottom corner to register his competitive goal since March.
Russell Martin’s side were unable to produce a response and their frustration ultimately boiled over in the 79th minute when Jack Stephens was given his marching orders for a dangerous challenge.
There was still time left in the contest for Garnacho to add a third goal in stoppage time, rounding off a comprehensive win for Erik ten Hag’s side.
While Man United celebrate their second win of the season, Southampton are still searching for their first points after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat in the top flight.
Andre Onana stops Cameron Archer from 12 yards
A brilliant chance for Southampton to take the lead early on.
Penalty to Southampton. Dibling draws a clumsy challenge from Dalot, giving the referee no other option but to point to the spot. Archer places the ball down to the spot but has to wait 51 seconds until the official blows his whistle. The delay ultimately has an adverse effect as Archer sees his penalty saved before heading the rebound straight into Onana’s grateful clutches.
Matthijs de Ligt bags his first goal as a Man Utd player to open the scoring
Just moments after Onana’s penalty heroics, Man United hit the front through summer signing De Ligt. Eriksen works a short corner to Bruno Fernandes, who whips an inviting delivery into the box for De Ligt to send a downward header past the outstretched Ramsdale.
A HUGE goal for Marcus Rashford
The 26-year-old bags his first goal for Man Utd since March to double his side’s lead.
Another corner, another goal. Amad Diallo collects a deep corner before he rolls the ball back to Rashford on the edge of the box. The forward works enough space to curl a low right-foot shot into the bottom corner to end his six-month wait for a goal in a Man United shirt.
Things go from bad to worse for Southampton as Jack Stephens is sent off for this challenge on Alejandro Garnacho
Southampton are down to ten men. Stephens is shown a straight red card for making a reckless challenge on Garnacho, with the dismissal ending any hopes of the hosts mounting an unlikely comeback.
Alejandro Garnacho makes it 3-0 and Man Utd finish with a flourish
Garnacho adds to Man United’s tally deep into stoppage time. The Argentina international sweeps the ball home after being teed up by Dalot’s neat cutback.
MAN OF THE MATCH – MATTHIJS DE LIGT
De Ligt produced a defiant response to being withdrawn at half time in Netherlands UEFA Nations League clash with Germany.
The 25-year-old made a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, scoring the opener while remaining resolute in defence until he was forced off in the 87th minute with cramp.
It is also worth noting that Amad Diallo and Rashford were among Man United’s other standout performers in a dominant display at St Marys
Possession: Southampton 44%-56% Man United
Shots: Southampton 6-20 Man United
Shots on target: Southampton 4-10 Man United
Corners: Southampton 0-7 Man United
Fouls: Southampton 11-14 Man United
BEST STATS
Matthijs de Ligt’s game by numbers vs. Southampton:
100% aerial duels won (3/3)
6 clearances
6 duels won
3 touches in opp. box
2 shots
2 shots on target
2 tackles
1 chance created
1 clearance off the line
1 goal
After claiming three points at St. Marys, Man United will now turn their focus to Tuesday’s EFL Cup clash with League One Barnsley.
Meanwhile, Southampton will look to produce a positive response when they travel to Goodison Park for a midweek EFL Cup tie.
