Bruno Fernandes’ second-half strike helped Manchester United beat Southampton 1-0 and record their second Premier League win of the season.
Both sides failed to break the deadlock in the first half despite a number of presentable chances, with both Gavin Bazunu and David de Gea called into action in the first 45 minutes.
Early into the second period, however, United took the lead, as Fernandes volleyed Diogo Dalot’s right-wing cross into the bottom corner.
The Saints pushed for an equaliser but the Red Devils — boosted by Casemiro, who made his debut off the bench — held out for the three points.
United goalscorer Fernandes urged his team-mates to channel the momentum of their victory into their upcoming games.
He said: “We knew playing against Southampton is not easy. We have experienced that already.
“Sometimes you have to suffer. Every game is tough. Well done to us. Massive three points for us. Now we have to carry on.
“It’s important because one win or two wins don’t make the league. We have to carry on this sacrifice for the rest of the season. It is what this club demands. After Liverpool everyone could feel it. We set the standard so we have to carry on now and if we can, improve it.
“It was a great ball [for the goal], even great play from behind. Everything was perfect. Someone runs, someone gets the space behind. We did it well, so well done to everyone — not just me.
“We did two or three seasons ago not losing [away] from home but we want to win every game — that’s what it’s about to play for Manchester United.”
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, meanwhile, lamented his side’s inability to score despite producing a performance to be proud of.
He said: “I’m very proud of what the guys did today. They did a really good job from the first minute. We had good moments and chances, we really stretched them. We deserved more but sometimes football is like this.
“We had very good moments and a lot of good chances in the box. They had two shots on target in the second half. I felt we were always dangerous. Every set piece was dangerous and we were really stretching them, but the ball didn’t want to go in.
“I’m not scared with this team because they really fight for our targets and this is good to see.
Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…
Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…
The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…
Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…
