Manchester United on Saturday afternoon strolled to an impressive 3-0 win over Southampton, shaking off the early season jitters in the Premier League.
While the scoreline suggests a comfortable victory, it was filled with crucial moments and standout performances, Footballrover reports.
And we’ve decided to drop a breakdown of the matchās key takeaways.
AndrĆ© Onanaās Penalty Save Set the Tone
When Cameron Archer stepped up to take a first-half penalty for Southampton, it looked like United might be in for a long day.
But AndrƩ Onana turned hero for the Red Devils in the end.
Onana pulled off a vital save, not only stopping the initial spot-kick but also clutching the rebound like he was handling a little baby.
Andre Onana. pic.twitter.com/iS7J6TJQvg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2024
This was the gameās turning point and gave United the confidence they desperately needed after their shaky start to the campaign.
Matthijs De Ligtās First United Goal Arrives in Style
Matthijs De Ligt couldnāt have picked a better time to score his first goal for the club.
The summer signing rose high like an Eagle to nod in a header that had both power and precision.
Battles all over the field āļø#MUFC || #SOUMUN pic.twitter.com/Uumkh4UdCI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2024
It wasnāt just a goal; it was a statement of intent. After a rocky defensive display in the early games, De Ligt proved his worth, calming the nerves of Man United fans and sending the Red Devils on their way to three points.
With that bullet header, De Ligt has shown heās not just here to defend; heās here to be a game-changer and score plenty of goals too.
Marcus Rashford Breaks His PL Drought
The pressure had been mounting on Marcus Rashford.
Nine games without a Premier League goal was more like an eternity for a player of his calibre, but Rashford broke that streak with an absolute beauty.
Curling a shot from the edge of the box off the post, Rashford reminded everyone of why heās Unitedās main man up top.
Opening his account for 2024/25 š
ā¤ļø @MarcusRashford #MUFC || #SOUMUN pic.twitter.com/T4nH2Hjr9v
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2024
It was the kind of strike that not only lifts the player but also reignites the fanbase.
If this is a sign of things to come, Rashford could be fully up and ready for a serious return to top formāor maybe not.
Aaron Ramsdale: The Saintsā Lone Saviour
Southampton fans may have had a long day at the office, but if not for Aaron Ramsdale, the scoreline could have been even more brutal, and they could have walked out of the stands earlier.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper made several impressive saves, including a fantastic denial of Joshua Zirkzeeās low drive.
Ramsdale was flying all over the place like a one-man wall, but even he couldnāt prevent the inevitableāthree goals in the net.
Despite his efforts, the Saints were unable to capitalise on their few chances, and Ramsdale could only watch as Unitedās second-half dominance sealed their fate.
Alejandro Garnacho Seals the Deal
Just when Southampton thought their misery couldnāt get any worse, in came Alejandro Garnacho to rub salt into the wound, and he did so without pity.
The Argentine winger, always dangerous on the break, pounced late in stoppage time.
After a brilliant cutback from Diogo Dalot, Garnacho fired home to complete a comprehensive win for the Erik ten Hag men.
The youngster has been one of the brightest sparks in Unitedās squad, and this goal was yet another reminder of his potential.
Job done on the south coast šš#MUFC || #SOUMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2024
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