Southampton vs Manchester United – Five Things We Learnt

Manchester United was preparing to face a tough opponent this weekend in the Premier League. With Saints at a good position in the table and an impressive run of form.

United was able to rise up to the occasion and come out on top beating Southampton 2-3 at the St. Marys Stadium. Manchester United also created a new club record for most successive away wins (8) in the Premier League.

Here are the 5 things that stood out for United.


Cavani Cavani Cavani!

After a below-par first-half performance, Cavani replaced Mason Greenwood after the half-time interval. He inspired a Manchester United second-half comeback by assisting one goal and scoring two.

Cavani’s movement all over the ground caused a lot of trouble for the Saints defenders. His cross found Bruno Fernandes in the box who went on to score United’s first goal of the afternoon. Cavani then latched on to the Bruno Fernandes shot-turned-into-a-cross and headed home a pure poachers goal. And what will go onto become a famous goal, he sent a header in injury time past McCarthy to complete United’s comeback and take all three points home.

El Matador at his best. His Game by numbers:

  • 83% pass accuracy
  • 4 shots [2 on target]
  • 3 ball recoveries
  • 2 tackles won
  • 2 goals
  • 1 assist

There’s No Stopping Bruno!

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Bruno Fernandes has been an inspiration since he’s joined Manchester United and he continued it yesterday as well. During the first half, he was outmuscled a few times by Southampton’s defenders. He hit the woodwork once and had a point-blank shot saved by McCarthy. Second-half saw him more dominant and involved in the match. He scored from a Cavani cross, and then turned into a provider, assisting Cavani to get United level. Again he was pulling the strings for United.

Bruno Fernandes has scored 4 non-penalty goals in the Premier League this season, no midfielder has more. Bruno was involved in two goals yesterday, scoring one and assisting one. This means his involvement in 36 United goals (22 scored, 14 assists) are equal to the number of matches he has played for Manchester United (36). What a signing!


De Gea Off & Henderson On for Manchester United!

It was a landmark game for David De Gea. Playing his 500th senior club match. However not a match that he would remember. His positioning may be in doubt for the first Southampton goal but Rashford should have better marked Bednarek from the corner. Saints’ second goal from the Ward-Prowse which left De Gea injured should have been saved. Especially when DDG was able to get a hand on it. Ole subbed De Gea at half-time due to his knee injury.

And on came Dean Henderson to make his Premier League debut for Manchester United!

United’s second choice keeper had decided to stay at Old Trafford after a good run (on loan) with Sheffield the last term. He made a few early saves after coming on and kept a clean-sheet. He looks comfortable commanding his goal and has a bright future with United ahead of him.


Donny Van De Beek’s First League Start for Manchester United

In his last few matches, Donny has made a strong case of why he should be started. Last time out against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League, his performance certainly earned him accolades among the fans and the manager. He started his first premier league match and it’s safe to say it will not be his last. Especially during the first half, he was great. Defending comfortably when it was needed. Passing brilliantly in tight corners. And initiating attacks when he got a chance. His link-up play and work rate was quite high. Him being on the pitch means Bruno gets to play in the number 10 role without worrying a great deal about running back to defend. His game by numbers:

  • 100% dribble success
  • 82% pass accuracy
  • 10 ball recoveries
  • 4 tackles won
  • 2 fouls won
  • 1 block

Machester United Win It In Fergie Time!

Yesterday’s win was a trip down memory lane. Back when Manchester United was a dominant force to reckon with. The past few seasons have not been the reflection of how things used to be. Maybe we’re living in the past and can’t let go. Especially after such an intense performance. This brings back memories of all the times Sir Alex Ferguson used to stand pointing to his watch. The opposition knew it was time the Manchester United will throw the kitchen sink at them. Ah, those famous comebacks!

Author: PM

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