It was a pivotal moment for Cameron Archer as he prepared to take his first-ever professional penalty.

Watching from the edge of the area was Ben Brereton-Diaz, perhaps wondering why he wasn’t the one taking the spot kick, given his perfect record of converting all seven previous attempts.

Onana’s Brilliant Save

In the 33rd minute, Archer aimed for the right side of Manchester United’s goal, only to have Andre Onana read the shot perfectly.

Onana dived expertly to block Archer’s attempt and then made a comfortable save on the follow-up.

This was the turning point that shifted the momentum of the match.

United Takes Control

With that crucial save, the game’s direction changed, giving United manager Erik ten Hag the edge.

Within eight minutes, United had taken a two-goal lead and never looked back, securing their much-needed victory.

Southampton, on the other hand, faced their fourth consecutive defeat.

Russell Martin Reflects

Saints manager Russell Martin commented on the penalty decision: “That’s on me and the decision we made.

Cam’s practiced a lot recently and was confident to take it, but Ben might not be happy with the outcome now.

It took the energy out of the game and gave United a boost.”

Pressure on Ten Hag

Manchester United had been struggling, having lost two of their first three games.

The pressure on Ten Hag was intense, especially since United hadn’t lost three of their first four matches since 1986.

Ensuring that the early-season issues didn’t escalate was crucial for the Dutch manager.

Key Performances

It was a good day for Ten Hag as Matthijs de Ligt, who had a tough international break, scored his first goal for the club.

Marcus Rashford also ended his six-month goal drought, putting United two goals ahead.

The decision to start Christian Eriksen and leave Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte on the bench until later proved to be effective.

Amad Diallo, chosen over Alejandro Garnacho, played a crucial role by drawing a red card and scoring the third goal.

Southampton’s Frustration

Southampton had their moments, particularly when teenage winger Tyler Dibling caused trouble for Diogo Dalot.

Dibling’s first league start saw him challenging Dalot on his weaker side.

Despite a penalty call that was initially reviewed by VAR, Onana’s save from Archer turned the tide in United’s favor.

Match Stats

Southampton (4-3-3)

Ramsdale: 6
Sugawara: 5
Jack Stephens: 3
Bednarek: 4
Walker-Peters: 5.5
Ugochukwu: 5.5 (sub Cornet)
Downes: 5
Fernandes: 6 (sub Harwood-Bellis)
Dibling: 7 (sub Lallana)
Archer: 5 (sub Stewart)
Brereton Diaz: 6 (sub Fraser)

Subs not used: McCarthy, Taylor, Aribo, Armstrong
Booked: Stephens, Martin, Cornet
Manager: Russell Martin 5

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Onana: 8.5
Dalot: 4
Martinez: 7 (sub Evans)
De Ligt: 8 (sub Casemiro)
Mazraoui: 6 (sub Maguire)
Eriksen: 6 (sub Ugarte)
Mainoo: 5.5
Rashford: 7 (sub Garnacho)
Fernandes: 7
Diallo: 7.5
Zirkzee: 5

Subs not used: Bayinder, Antony, Collyer, Wheatley
Booked: Maguire, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mainoo
Goals: De Ligt (35′), Rashford (41′), Garnacho (90+6′)
Manager: Erik ten Hag 7

Late Goals and Final Thoughts

In the final minutes, Aaron Ramsdale made a crucial save from Joshua Zirkzee, leading to a corner from which Eriksen assisted De Ligt’s header.

Rashford soon added a second goal, ending his goal drought.

Zirkzee had several chances but couldn’t convert.

The third goal came in stoppage time when Garnacho scored after a pass from Casemiro, following a red card for Saints’ Jack Stephens.

Southampton’s frustration was evident, and Martin felt the final decision on the red card was influenced more by the fourth official than by the referee.

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