They’re the main Hero in that Southampton game,if they continue like this we will actually finish above Chelsea this season”, Paul scholes single out TWO Man united star for praise for their wonderful performance against Southampton – Not Fernandez and Not Garnacho

Paul Scholes voiced his admiration for two Manchester United players after their impressive 3-0 win over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. This victory was significant for United, as it moved them closer to their Premier League rivals and even ignited hopes of potentially surpassing Chelsea by season’s end if they maintain their current form. Rather than focusing on usual stars like Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho, Scholes highlighted two players who, despite not always being in the spotlight, played crucial roles in securing the win.

While Marcus Rashford and Garnacho were influential with their contributions to the scoreline, Matthijs de Ligt and Andre Onana were the true heroes of the night. De Ligt, a major summer signing, made an impact by scoring the opening goal in the 35th minute. His powerful header not only gave United the lead but also shifted the match’s momentum. De Ligt’s goal was timely, providing United with the confidence to dominate the game. Beyond his goal, De Ligt’s defensive performance was outstanding. He effectively led the defense, making key interventions and limiting Southampton’s chances.

Prior to De Ligt’s goal, United faced pressure when Southampton was awarded a penalty. Cameron Archer took the penalty, but Andre Onana made an excellent save, stopping Archer’s initial shot and then quickly blocking the follow-up header. This double save not only kept the score level but also gave United a psychological boost. Onana’s quick reflexes and strong presence in goal were crucial in maintaining United’s control and securing a clean sheet.

Former United defender Wes Brown, analyzing the match on MUTV, agreed with Scholes’ praise, highlighting De Ligt and Onana for their crucial roles. He stressed the importance of their performances in achieving United’s second clean sheet of the season and praised their resilience during key moments. Brown particularly noted De Ligt’s performance as a turning point, especially after some earlier criticism. Brown acknowledged that De Ligt delivered the commanding performance fans had hoped for, making essential clearances and organizing the defense confidently. “De Ligt needed a big performance, and he delivered,” Brown remarked. “He was in the right places at the right times, making crucial stops, and getting a clean sheet was a big bonus. Scoring the opening goal only added to his great performance.” Brown also praised Onana, emphasizing how his penalty save was a defining moment. He noted that if Southampton had taken the lead early, the game’s dynamics might have been different. Onana’s heroics kept United in the game, showcasing his quality as a top goalkeeper and ensuring United could control the match’s tempo.

The performances of De Ligt and Onana were key to Manchester United’s decisive win over Southampton. If they continue at this level, United’s season prospects could be more promising than initially expected. With significant contributions from these key players, the team could not only aim for a top-four finish but also potentially overtake rivals like Chelsea. The victory at St. Mary’s might be remembered as a pivotal moment in United’s campaign, with De Ligt and Onana playing crucial roles in shaping the team’s future success.