Manchester United produced a stunning performance at St. Mary's Stadium, dismantling Southampton 3-0 with Marcus Rashford scoring twice within eight minutes. The Red Devils' victory was further cemented by Matthijs de Ligt's impressive goal, showcasing the team's resurgence under Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United maintained their impressive form with a comprehensive 3-0 away victory over Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday evening. Marcus Rashford emerged as the star of the show, scoring two goals in quick succession, while Matthijs de Ligt added the third to seal the emphatic win.
Manchester United Dominant in Southampton Rout, Rashford Leads Scoring Surge
United started the match with renewed vigor, pressing Southampton from the outset. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Cameron Archer was adjudged to have fouled Jadon Sancho in the penalty area. However, Archer's subsequent spot-kick was superbly saved by David de Gea, keeping the scores level.
Undeterred, United continued to probe Southampton's defense, with Rashford threatening on multiple occasions. The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when Rashford collected a pass from Bruno Fernandes and drove into the box. With clinical precision, he dispatched a low shot past Gavin Bazunu, giving United the lead they deserved.
Buoyed by their advantage, United doubled their lead just eight minutes later. De Ligt was the architect of the goal, with a sublime cross from the right wing finding Rashford unmarked at the far post. The English forward made no mistake, heading home emphatically to send the traveling United fans into raptures.
Southampton struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match, with United's defense remaining resolute. The visitors continued to dominate possession, and in the 71st minute, De Ligt put the result beyond doubt.
Rashford, operating on the left flank, whipped in a dangerous cross towards the Dutch international at the far post. De Ligt rose highest to meet the ball, sending a thunderous header into the net to complete United's resounding victory.
Ten Hag's side displayed exceptional teamwork and cohesion throughout the contest, with every player performing to a high standard. Rashford's brace was a testament to his renewed confidence, while De Ligt's goal showcased his aerial prowess and attacking threat from set pieces.
The victory moves United up to fifth place in the Premier League standings, level on points with Tottenham Hotspur and just four points behind leaders Arsenal. The Red Devils will face Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday, December 21, before hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on December 27.
* Rashford's goals were his first since his return from the World Cup, where he scored three times for England.
* De Ligt's goal was his first for United since his summer move from Juventus.
* Southampton have now lost three consecutive Premier League matches, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone.
* United have kept four clean sheets in their last five Premier League matches.
* Ten Hag has won seven of his nine matches in charge of Manchester United.
