Manchester UnitedPremier League “We tried to redeem ourselves with this match and we succeeded because of him. We wouldn’t have won this match without his football intelligence. He most definitely changed the game” – This is according to Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt as he praises his Manchester United teammate, stating they “changed the game

The label “professional job” aptly described Manchester United’s performance as they comfortably triumphed over Southampton, marking their second Premier League victory of the season.

The win featured three well-executed goals, a clean sheet, and impressive individual performances. Despite a few injury concerns, it was a positive day for Erik ten Hag, who had been facing scrutiny.

Nevertheless, the result might have been different.

As United gradually adapted to the game at St Mary’s, Southampton had a prime chance to take an unforeseen lead around the 30-minute mark when Diogo Dalot, struggling defensively, fouled the energetic Tyler Dibbling.

Luckily for United, they now have a reliable penalty-saving specialist in Andre Onana. His save not only kept the game level but also ended Southampton’s attacking threat, as they failed to register another shot on target for the rest of the match.

Andre Onana’s penalty save played a crucial role in Manchester United’s victory, and Matthijs de Ligt, who contributed to the team’s second clean sheet of the 2024/25 season, praised the Cameroonian goalkeeper. Onana’s vital save set the stage for a much more straightforward game than it initially seemed.

“It was really crucial to win,” De Ligt told TNT Sports on September 14. “If you only get three points from the first three games, it’s insufficient. So, there was pressure on this match.”

“We played very well. Full credit to Andre; he changed the game for us, and keeping a clean sheet was excellent,” said Matthijs de Ligt, who was named Man of the Match by TNT Sports.

De Ligt delivered a remarkable performance, showing his dominance at both ends of the pitch. After the recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool and some mistakes for the Netherlands, this flawless performance reaffirmed his undeniable quality.

He stood out as Southampton applied early pressure, winning crucial headers, tackles, and making a vital clearance at the far post.

Moments after Andre Onana’s penalty save against Cameron Archer, De Ligt moved to the other end and expertly guided a Bruno Fernandes cross into the far corner of the net.

United’s second goal, a curling shot from Marcus Rashford following rigorous training during the week, also originated from a corner.

Set-piece coach Andreas Georgson, brought in by Ineos from Lillestrom, is evidently having an impact, though De Ligt noted that his goal wasn’t directly from their training sessions.

“We’ve been working on set pieces,” said the £38 million signing. “This one wasn’t directly from the book, but Fernandes made a great decision.”

He added, “Hopefully, we can continue achieving results like this and develop as a team.”

Alejandro Garnacho, coming off the bench, also delivered a strong performance, scoring with a powerful finish after fine build-up play from Diogo Dalot and Casemiro.

“We tried to redeem ourselves with this match and we succeeded because of him. We wouldn’t have won this match without his football intelligence. He most definitely changed the game,” said Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt, praising his teammate.