EPL: De Ligt nets first Man Utd goal in victory over Southampton

Matthijs de Ligt netted his first goal for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s side secured a crucial Premier League victory over Southampton.

United entered the match on the back of a disappointing defeat to Liverpool before the international break and needed a strong response upon their return.

Despite a challenging start, the game shifted in United’s favor when Andre Onana saved a penalty from Cameron Archer, shortly before they took the lead.

Summer signing De Ligt opened the scoring, heading Bruno Fernandes’ superb cross into the bottom corner.

Six minutes later, Marcus Rashford doubled United’s advantage, scoring his first goal of the season with a low shot through a crowded box.

Southampton’s momentum waned after the two quick goals, and United controlled the second half.

Southampton’s woes deepened late on when Jack Stephens received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Alejandro Garnacho.

Garnacho then capped the win with a powerful strike into the roof of the net in stoppage time.

The excitement from Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City quickly diminished following a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, putting manager Erik ten Hag back in the spotlight.

Casemiro, who struggled against Liverpool, was benched for the Southampton match.

Initially, it seemed that the international break had not provided the reset Manchester United fans had hoped for, as they were second best for the first half hour.

However, Southampton failed to capitalize on their opportunities, most notably when Diogo Dalot fouled Tyler Dibling in the box. Cameron Archer’s subsequent penalty was poorly struck and saved by Onana.

From that moment, Manchester United took control of the game. While there is still work needed to address team issues, the three goals and a clean sheet mark a positive return to form for Ten Hag’s side.

Southampton’s return to the Premier League has been challenging, with the defeat leaving them still searching for their first points of the season.

Manager Russell Martin remains committed to the attractive football that earned them promotion from the Championship, and they might have been rewarded for their impressive start to the game.

The hosts demonstrated some smooth build-up play but were let down by their inability to finish in the final third. In the Premier League, such missed opportunities can quickly be punished, as seen in this match.

A highlight for Southampton was the performance of 18-year-old midfielder Tyler Dibling, who made his debut and posed a significant threat to the Manchester United defense in the first half.

Player of the Match: Matthijs de Ligt