Manchester United knows what winning feels like again. After two consecutive defeats, The Red Devils defeated newly promoted Southampton. The main roles were played by Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt.
The pressure had mounted significantly at Manchester United early in the season, as the club faced a rocky start that raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.
Following an unexpected and avoidable loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, there was already a sense of unease. However, it was the humiliating defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool that truly deepened the crisis. Liverpool’s dominant display at Old Trafford just before the international break left a bitter taste for Manchester United, who, with only three points from their first three games, appeared to be struggling for cohesion and form. The loss ignited frustrations among the fanbase, increasing pressure on both the players and manager Erik ten Hag to turn things around quickly.
This growing sense of urgency wasn’t limited to the club as a whole individually, players were feeling the weight of expectation as well. Matthijs de Ligt, in particular, found himself under scrutiny. The Dutch defender, typically solid and reliable, had come off the back of two poor performances during international duty with the Netherlands. His struggles at the international level led to increased attention from the media and fans, all questioning whether he could regain his composure in a crucial moment for both his club and country.
Despite the outside noise, manager Erik ten Hag remained supportive of his fellow countryman. Ten Hag publicly backed De Ligt during the pre-match press conference, signaling his faith in the center-back despite the defender's recent dip in form. That trust was further evidenced when the matchday lineup was revealed, with De Ligt included in the starting eleven. Alongside other important figures like Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, De Ligt had a chance to prove himself in what had become a must-win game for Manchester United.
However, the match at St Mary’s Stadium did not go as smoothly as United would have hoped. Southampton, recently promoted and looking to make a statement, took the game to United from the outset. Their high press and aggressive play pinned United back in their own half for much of the opening stages. It was clear that Southampton had come prepared to exploit United’s vulnerabilities, and they looked the more dangerous side for large stretches of the first half.
The home team’s persistence nearly paid off after thirty minutes when Diogo Dalot, trying to make a defensive challenge, committed an unnecessary foul in the box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, giving Southampton a golden opportunity to take the lead and pile even more pressure on the visitors. Cameron Archer stepped up to take the penalty, but this moment proved to be pivotal for Manchester United’s fate. Andre Onana, the summer signing brought in to replace David de Gea as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, showcased his importance. Onana guessed the right direction, diving to his left and making a crucial save to deny Archer’s penalty, keeping the game level and providing a massive boost to his team.
This heroic save from Onana seemed to jolt Manchester United into life. Up until that point, they had struggled to assert themselves, but the penalty save sparked a shift in momentum. United grew in confidence, and their urgency increased as they looked to capitalize on the psychological lift provided by Onana’s intervention. The most significant impact was felt just minutes after the penalty save when United earned a corner. A well-rehearsed set-piece routine saw Bruno Fernandes deliver a precise cross, and Matthijs de Ligt, who had endured a difficult week, rose above the Southampton defenders to head the ball powerfully into the net. It was De Ligt’s first-ever Premier League goal, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. His celebration reflected a sense of relief, as this goal not only put his team ahead but also allowed him to draw a line under what had been a tough period for the defender.
The goal marked a turning point for both De Ligt and Manchester United. De Ligt’s strong defensive display for the remainder of the match showed that his confidence had been restored, and he was back to his commanding best. United, buoyed by the goal, managed the game well in the second half, preventing Southampton from mounting any serious comeback. It was a performance that signaled resilience and determination qualities that had been questioned in the early weeks of the season.
For Erik ten Hag, the victory was more than just three points. It offered a sense of reprieve after weeks of growing scrutiny over his team’s performances. Ten Hag’s faith in players like De Ligt and Onana was vindicated, as both played key roles in securing the win. More importantly, the victory helped calm the growing discontent surrounding the club, allowing United to head into the next stretch of games with renewed optimism.
As for De Ligt, the goal and strong performance helped restore his reputation. After being heavily criticized following his international mishaps, the Dutchman responded in the best possible way by leading his team to a vital victory. The narrative quickly shifted from questioning his form to celebrating his resilience and ability to bounce back.
While Manchester United still faces challenges ahead, the win against Southampton may well be a turning point in their season. With key players stepping up and ten Hag’s tactical decisions paying off, the club will hope this victory serves as a foundation for future success.
