AFCON 2025
Manchester United defeated Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s to bounce back from consecutive Premier League losses.
This was a crucial win for Erik ten Hag’s side, especially against a Saints outfit still seeking their first point since promotion.
Southampton dominated possession early on, with 18-year-old Tyler Dibling impressing on his full debut. Dibling tested André Onana inside 10 minutes, and United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui later drew saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
The hosts had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Dibling won a penalty, but Onana denied Cameron Archer from the spot and held the rebound.
This proved pivotal as United took control. Summer signing Matthijs De Ligt headed home his first goal for the club, and Marcus Rashford ended a nine-game Premier League drought with a curled effort into the far corner.
Rashford continued to cause problems after the break, forcing Ramsdale into another impressive save. Russell Martin’s side struggled to create meaningful chances, and their task became insurmountable when Jack Stephens received a late red card for a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho sealed the win in stoppage time, rifling home from Diogo Dalot’s cross.
