Manchester United continued good run of matches with an away win at Southampton on Saturday afternoon. Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the game after a lovely cross from Ashley Young, earning important three points for his team.
Jose Mourinho will not be too satisfied with this win. It slightly reminded of the 2-2 draw against Stoke City a fortnight ago. Though this was not as chaotic performance, Manchester United’s rival had enough chances to get a similar result. Southampton improved drastically in the second half, but will have to find another home match in which they will end their struggles in front of goal.
Manchester United Lucky To Win Three Points
Everything we have seen during the match shows Manchester United were lucky to get a win. It was a decent first half from the Reds, as Marcus Rashford threatened from a free kick not long after Lukaku’s goal. Yet, it was the second half that will worry the manager.
The team was much more defensively oriented too soon. Even the substitutions from Mourinho were too defensive. Ander Herrera replaced Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan made way for Chris Smalling, showing Mourinho’s eagerness to secure a 1-0 win rather than go for second goal.
Southampton’s Finishing Wasteful Yet Again
The Saints really had their chances. Manchester United were lucky they could not have made their finishing more decisive. Oriol Romeu had a great chance after a lovely move on the edge of the box, but his shot went wide. He also had a header cleared off from Marouane Fellaini after a corner kick and Nathan Redmond’s decent shot was saved by David De Gea.
Southampton therefore continue struggling to find goals. This was the eighth time they did not score in their last nine home matches. Their fans are definitely not happy with that, however, their second half display on Saturday worried Man United fans.
Ashley Young Is The New James Milner
Well, something like that. Young became a makeshift left back and has excelled at it so far. Daley Blind is not getting more chances – except for EFL Cup – while Luke Shaw is still recuperating from an injury. However, even when young Englishman returns to full fitness, it remains unknown if he will be given a chance.
Young has been very good for Manchester United. He did very well against Everton and now the only goal came through his cross. Young made space for himself on the left to send a perfect cross for Lukaku.
The Matter Of The Win Gives A Good Platform
This was not an impressive win for Manchester United by any means. However, it still brings three points, but not only that. It brings a good platform to Manchester United’s character. The Reds struggled and suffered in the second half, but managed to grind out the win.
It shows much needed resilience. The team will become closer as they see they can still win on a bad day. More importantly, Manchester United will create resolve about themselves which every great champions have.
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