Utd legend hails ‘outstanding’ game-changer in So’ton win, but one ‘solid’ star takes his MOTM

Manchester United etched a crucial three points on the board after overturning Southampton 3-0 at St. Mary’s on Saturday afternoon. 

Forwards Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho did their bit to seal the victory with some much-needed goals to boost their confidence, but it was summer recruit Matthijs de Ligt who opened the scoring with a superb header to break the deadlock in the 35th minute.

His contribution came just moments after Andre Onana had performed his heroics to deny Cameron Archer from the spot. The goalkeeper got a hand to Archer’s initial strike before recovering quickly enough to save the follow-up headed attempt. Without his efforts, you can only imagine how the result may have differed by the full-time whistle.

As such, Wes Brown cherry-picked Onana and De Ligt for high praise when reviewing the afternoon’s affairs, with both deemed integral to the side keeping their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Read more: ‘Better if you don’t come’ – Sancho given stark warning by Maresca RE work ethic, he was told he ‘won’t play’

Brown heaps praise on defensive duo

Speaking on MUTV, the former Red told the panel: “The keeper was outstanding, and a clean sheet. There were lots of positives in this game.

“De Ligt [is my Man of the Match]. He had a lot of stick this week. He needed a big performance, and he put one in. Some of his clearances in the first half, he was in the right spots, he was solid. A clean sheet – and to top it off with a goal is a bonus.”