Manchester United’s scoring woes at home continued, as the Saints grabbed a late winner through debutant Charlie Austin to win successive games at Old Trafford for the first time since 1969.
Here are the best performers from the game, which saw more pressure heaped on Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal:
Victor Wanyama (Southampton)
In a game very much determined by the battle of the midfield, Victor Wanyama was critical in protecting his back-three against United’s line. On numerous occasions the big bodied midfielder sniffed out a number of attacks from the home side, as the fans continued to grow restless throughout the 90 minutes. The Kenyan midfielder showed why he has been linked to some of the bigger clubs in the Premier League, playing alongside the returning Jordy Clasie. Wanyama made himself a threat at set pieces against a much smaller United side.
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Shane Long (Southampton)
Preferred to match-winner Charlie Austin by manager Ronald Koeman in the starting side, Shane Long did not let his side down despite his failure to get on the scoresheet. A part of the front three containing Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic, the Irishman was the main focal point of rangy balls sent forward. Long demonstrated an impressive leaping ability to win a number of aerial duels, against arguably the Premier League’s defender of the season in Chris Smalling. The 29-year-old had great strength on the ball as he waited for support from his teammates, constantly pressuring the host defence throughout the match and leaving nothing in the tank.
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Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)
Manchester United went into the match playing three defenders, which saw Jesse Lingard deployed in the right-wing back position. In a role largely unfamiliar to him, the England international produced a solid display when dealing with the threat of Matt Targett on quite a number of occasions. The 23-year-old looked to drive forward whenever he had the ball at his feet, one of few of van Gaal’s players who seemed to be in an attacking mood. The United youth product linked well with the midfield as he continued to make overlapping runs throughout the match as his side went in search of goals.
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