By Odiko Godwin
Not the kind of performance United fans would have loved to see, but they're definitely happy with the three points earned at Southampton. Here is a look at the five key points taken from the clash at St.Mary's.
Another solid performance at the back
If Eric Bailly and Phil Jones continue to play in this scintillating form, £31m signing Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling will have to endure being just squad players - because those two have really being solid together - so far.
With Bailly and Jones partnering, United have only conceded twice in six games. And José Mourinho can only require they remain consistent; even as they strive to improve on their own little weaknesses.
Young and Valencia also put in good performances.
United not there yet, plenty to fix
Despite United's flying start to the campaign, there are still some loopholes that requires fixing. Against Stoke, United's deficiencies were brought into the fore.
United played against Southampton with two traditional wingers in Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young; utilized as full-backs, with the wingers(Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata) on the day not being traditional wingers.
Though it seem United aren't suffering the after-effects of that right now, it is still a deficiency that puts them just below Man City - who spent £121.1m only on full-backs in the summer, and Chelsea having traditional wing-backs/full-backs (bars Victor Moses).
United haven't faced any of those two yet, but when they do, those deficiencies might just be what they prey on to conquer United.
Southampton can build on their performance against Manutd
Though the match ended in defeat, Southampton showed a lot of gameness in the second half -that they can build on - going into their next two matches against Newcastle and West Brom - both coming at the St. Mary's Stadium.
United had to fortify their defense by bringing in Smalling, when Southampton knocked fervently at their door in the second half. Against a side that have scored eleven goals in their last three games, scoring just one on the day, Mauricio Pellegrino and his men can be proud of their performance.
Lukaku is quite a bargain
Week in, week out - Romelu Lukaku continues to prove why José overlooked their "past" at Chelsea and decided to pay £75m for his services. Had Lukaku stayed at Everton and replicate last season's form, he would be going for nothing less than £100m next summer in today's crazy market.
Martial should be starting
After dazzling in midweek against Burton Albion, many expected him to start at the St. Mary's Stadium. But it was Mata and Rashford that Mourinho opted for in the flanks.
And when Mourinho would replace Mata, it was Herrera that came on, replacing Rashford with Blind in added time. With Southampton launching series of attack against United in the second half, a Martial would have caused them to restrain a little - knowing fully well what the Frenchman is capable of once United counter/attack.
United were only lucky to leave Southampton with all three points, and it was evident in the way Romelu Lukaku celebrated at the blast of the final whistle.
With United still lacking in traditional wingers, Martial can offer some sort of help in that front - as he had shown so far in the season. And the quicker he settles into United's first team, the better for United's attack.
Photo source: Twitter/@ManUtd, @SouthamptonFC & @juanmata8
Not the kind of performance United fans would have loved to see, but they're definitely happy with the three points earned at Southampton. Here is a look at the five key points taken from the clash at St.Mary's.
Another solid performance at the back
If Eric Bailly and Phil Jones continue to play in this scintillating form, £31m signing Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling will have to endure being just squad players - because those two have really being solid together - so far.
With Bailly and Jones partnering, United have only conceded twice in six games. And José Mourinho can only require they remain consistent; even as they strive to improve on their own little weaknesses.
Young and Valencia also put in good performances.
United not there yet, plenty to fix
Despite United's flying start to the campaign, there are still some loopholes that requires fixing. Against Stoke, United's deficiencies were brought into the fore.
Manutd struggled at Stoke. But look how Chelsea are blowing them away like chaff. United still haven't arrived. Plenty to fix.#SOUMUN— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 23, 2017
United played against Southampton with two traditional wingers in Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young; utilized as full-backs, with the wingers(Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata) on the day not being traditional wingers.
Manutd struggled at Stoke. But look how Chelsea are blowing them away like chaff. United still haven't arrived. Plenty to fix.#SOUMUN— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 23, 2017
Though it seem United aren't suffering the after-effects of that right now, it is still a deficiency that puts them just below Man City - who spent £121.1m only on full-backs in the summer, and Chelsea having traditional wing-backs/full-backs (bars Victor Moses).
United haven't faced any of those two yet, but when they do, those deficiencies might just be what they prey on to conquer United.
FT: Wouldn't have won this sort of game last season, with this sort of showing. But Lukaku was the difference today. Team still need fixing.— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 23, 2017
Southampton can build on their performance against Manutd
Though the match ended in defeat, Southampton showed a lot of gameness in the second half -that they can build on - going into their next two matches against Newcastle and West Brom - both coming at the St. Mary's Stadium.
United had to fortify their defense by bringing in Smalling, when Southampton knocked fervently at their door in the second half. Against a side that have scored eleven goals in their last three games, scoring just one on the day, Mauricio Pellegrino and his men can be proud of their performance.
Lukaku is quite a bargain
Week in, week out - Romelu Lukaku continues to prove why José overlooked their "past" at Chelsea and decided to pay £75m for his services. Had Lukaku stayed at Everton and replicate last season's form, he would be going for nothing less than £100m next summer in today's crazy market.
Lukaku just can't stop scoring. What a bargain. Sumptuous that. #SOUMUN— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 23, 2017
Martial should be starting
After dazzling in midweek against Burton Albion, many expected him to start at the St. Mary's Stadium. But it was Mata and Rashford that Mourinho opted for in the flanks.
And when Mourinho would replace Mata, it was Herrera that came on, replacing Rashford with Blind in added time. With Southampton launching series of attack against United in the second half, a Martial would have caused them to restrain a little - knowing fully well what the Frenchman is capable of once United counter/attack.
Typical José Mourinho reinvented today. Team loosing footing, and it's Smalling that comes in. Whatever happened to attack - with Martial.— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 23, 2017
United were only lucky to leave Southampton with all three points, and it was evident in the way Romelu Lukaku celebrated at the blast of the final whistle.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 23, 2017
With United still lacking in traditional wingers, Martial can offer some sort of help in that front - as he had shown so far in the season. And the quicker he settles into United's first team, the better for United's attack.
Photo source: Twitter/@ManUtd, @SouthamptonFC & @juanmata8
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