Man Utd duo silence their critics as Erik ten Hag sack pressure eases with vital Southampton win
Man Utd duo Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford have silenced their critics with their goals against Southampton
PA
Manchester United picked up just their second win of the new Premier League season with a 3-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday.
It looked as though they'd fall behind when Cameron Archer stepped up to take a penalty for the Saints, only for Andre Onana to then save his effort.
United then proceeded to pick up all three points following first half goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford, with Alejandro Garnacho adding a third late on.
GB News now takes a look at four talking points from the showdown at St Mary's.
Man Utd duo silence their critics
Man Utd duo Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford have silenced their critics with their goals against Southampton
PA
De Ligt was the subject of much mockery in midweek when he was hooked at half time during the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Germany on Wednesday night.
But the former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich star produced a stunning performance on Saturday, with his goal capping off a sublime individual display.
Rashford has been written off by many amid his issues over the past 12 months, with some feeling Alejandro Garnacho should be starting for United instead.
Yet the 26-year-old took his goal well and looked a constant threat, something that bodes well as he looks to get back to the high level he was operating at just over a year ago.
Ten Hag sack pressure eases
United only kept Ten Hag because he won them the FA Cup in May. If they'd lost to Manchester City on that occasion, somebody else would be in the dugout instead.
Pressure has been rising on the 54-year-old during the early stages of the campaign after successive defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.
However, by beating Southampton, the Red Devils have eased some of the heat on the Dutchman.
Ten Hag, certainly, will be pleased. Defeat would have been a catastrophe - but United now have something to build on as they look to improve on last season's eighth-placed finish.
United remain a moments team
While United did beat Southampton, they were fortunate.
During the first 35 minutes they were comprehensively outplayed by their opponents and, had Archer scored his penalty, the game could have been different.
United have individual players who are capable of making a difference, with De Ligt and Rashford sparing their blushes on this occasion.
However, there's no denying more improvement is needed if they're to challenge the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool for title glory.
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Southampton will be frustrated
Man Utd star Matthijs de Ligt celebrates his goal against Southampton
PA
Russell Martin is a good manager and there are positives to take from Southampton's performance against United.
That will be of little consolation to the Saints, however, who remain without a single point from their four matches so far.
The way Southampton started the match bodes well. If they play like that, they may just end up beating relegation after all.
Russell will, however, be frustrated at the way his side seemed to lose all momentum following United's second goal of the day from Rashford.
When do the teams play next?
Man Utd star Marcus Rashford scored his first goal of the season against Southampton on Saturday
PA
Southampton won't have long to reflect on their latest defeat, with Martin's team due to lock horns with Everton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
As for United, they'll go up against Barnsley in the same competition on the same night.
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