Manchester United 3-1 Southampton: Four Things We Learned

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Manchester United narrowly secured a vital victory over Southampton at Old Trafford, thanks to a late hat-trick from Amad Diallo. The visitors took an early lead when Manuel Ugarte inadvertently scored an own goal, putting the Saints ahead. Despite their dismal season, Southampton came dangerously close to taking points from this encounter. However, Diallo’s brilliance turned the tide, dragging the Red Devils to a dramatic win. Ruben Amorim had stated before the match that he would learn more about his squad in this game than in recent fixtures against Arsenal and Liverpool. His post-match demeanour, however, reflected frustration despite the eventual triumph.

Amad Inspires a Vital Turnaround

Diogo Dalot’s suspension forced Amorim to shuffle his wing-back options, with Amad Diallo on the right and Noussair Mazraoui moved to the left. This imbalance left United unable to maintain the possession-based approach Amorim demands. While United struggled for cohesion, Diallo stepped up spectacularly. His game-changing display not only secured the win but also underscored his status as the team’s most dangerous attacking player. Amorim will undoubtedly aim to restore Diallo to the No.10 role as soon as possible.

Garnacho’s Mixed Evening Amid Transfer Speculation

Alejandro Garnacho’s performance was under scrutiny amid ongoing reports linking him with a move to Napoli, who have reportedly bid £38 million for the 20-year-old. Despite Amorim’s decision to start him, Garnacho’s focus appeared to waver. He missed a clear chance set up by Rasmus Højlund and misplaced several passes, disrupting United’s rhythm. Although he created an opportunity for Antony in the second half, the Brazilian was equally wasteful. Garnacho’s potential departure could become a significant talking point in the coming weeks.

Defensive Issues Persist

United’s vulnerability at set pieces remains a concern for Amorim. Despite prior praise for the team’s improvements in this area, Southampton’s opening goal came from a flicked corner by United target Tyler Dibling, deflecting off Ugarte into the net. Leny Yoro, hailed by Amorim as the “future” of the club, endured a torrid evening. The £52 million summer signing was repeatedly outmanoeuvred by Kamaldeen Sulemana. While Yoro shows promise as a potential world-class defender, this performance highlighted his need for further development.

Onana Shines Again

Andre Onana delivered another standout performance, building on his heroics in September’s reverse fixture at St Mary’s. The goalkeeper pulled off a stunning double save in the first half and nearly prevented Southampton’s deflected opener. Although United’s overall performance was underwhelming, Onana’s contributions provided a silver lining. His consistency between the sticks continues to offer a foundation for the team as they navigate their struggles.

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