Bruno Fernandes’ second-half volley was enough to keep Manchester United’s revival alive with a second win of the week against Southampton at St Mary’s.
United, bolstered by Monday’s 2-1 home win over Liverpool, managed to claim another win after starting the season with back-to-back Premier League defeats.
It was a close affair throughout most of the game, with both sides creating chances in a goalless first half but failing to capitalize before Fernandes fired home, proving victorious 10 minutes after the break.
Erik ten Hag made no changes from the starting XI against Liverpool, while Ralph Hasenhüttl made one change.
Che Adams, who came on to bag a game-winning double against Leicester, started for the Saints, who gave a standing ovation to late midfielder David Armstrong in the 10th minute.
Neither side could create any real chances in the first 10 minutes, although United saw more of the ball.
The visitors worked their way onto the pitch, where Diogo Dalot took possession of the ball in the right corner of the penalty area but fired his shot over the goal.
A Mohamed Elyounoussi cross soon landed on Adam Armstrong, whose header was easily caught by David De Gea.
Soon after, the Saints somehow escaped an onslaught from United attackers unscathed, Gavin Bazunu first stopping an Anthony Elanga shot from close range before two consecutive attempts were cleared within seconds by Kyle Walker-Peters and Armel Bella-Kotchap.
The hosts settled in, Adams looked hungry for an opening goal and was in a good position to receive Elyounoussi’s cross but sent his attempt up while Armel Bella-Kotchap made his own effort shortly after.
And Adams failed to put the finishing touches on another try, sending a punch straight at De Gea.
Christian Eriksen tried to make an opener from the edge of the field, sent in a cross but couldn’t find anyone in a neon green away shirt available in the pits to finish the job.
Adams, who looked dangerous throughout the half, had two more chances to put the hosts on the scoresheet before the break, first saving a right footed shot from the right before scoring a goal goal and sending the ball over the bar.
United were awarded a free-kick for Joe Aribo’s foul on Scott McTominay but Romeo Lavia stepped up to meet him and sent the sides scoreless at the break.
It was United who had the first chance after the restart, McTominay firing at a diving Bazunu who parried the ball with his fingertips.
The visitors finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Dalot delivered a well-placed cross to Fernandes in the center of the box.
The Portugal international wasted no time sending a low right footed volley into the bottom left corner.
The hosts were never out of play and almost responded in the 65th minute when Armstrong sent a cross into the box from a tight angle and Joe Aribo stepped up to meet them, but De Gea reacted quickly to give the Saints the equaliser deny. Bella-Kotchap’s attempt to nod on the rebound was too high.
United substitute Ronaldo was brought down and treated but stayed on the pitch. Ten Hag also brought on newcomer Casemiro for the last 10 minutes.
Saints had a chance to level through Bella-Kotchap in the 85th minute, but he missed and sent his shot over the bar, while Dalot blocked Sekou Mara’s final overhead kick in added time to seal the three points.
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