Southampton vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Bruno Fernandes’s goal
Manchester United did just enough to get all three points against a dogged Southampton
Manchester United travel to Southampton for Saturday’s early Premier League kick off as they look to build on the back of their impressive 2-1 victory over Liverpool last time out. Erik ten Hag’s men displayed a level of energy and intensity that has been lacking at Old Trafford in recent times and avoided a third consecutive defeat after losses to Brighton and Brentford.
There is a now an optimism around the team and they will have to live up to their own standards if they are to beat a Southampton side that recorded their first win of the season against Leicester City last weekend.
After a 4-1 hammering from Tottenham and a 2-2 draw with Leeds, the Saints responded to a James Maddison goal to come from behind and claim a 2-1 victory away at the Foxes thanks to Che Adams’ brace. It was their second game in a row that they’ve claim points from losing positions and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be hoping to get stuck into this shaky Manchester United side this afternoon.
Follow all the action from St Mary’s as Southampton host Manchester United in the Premier League:
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
36 mins: Erik ten Hag is on his feet and conducted United’s play from the dugout. Southampton have just had a decent period on the ball, creating chances on goal.
The visitors need to find their feet again. They’re focused on building from the back to give their front three time and space to run into.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
33 mins: Chance! A Southampton corner is swung over to Armel Bella-Kotchap. The defender brings the ball down with his first touch then has the chance to score.
He stretches for the ball under pressure from Christian Eriksen but lifts his effort over the crossbar!
Southampton are getting closer to the opener and Bella-Kotchap could have added a goal to his already impressive display.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
30 mins: Chance! Mohammed Elyounoussi is fed the ball over on the right side of the pitch and curls a decent cross over to the back post.
Che Adams - full of confidence after bagging in four goals in two games - leaps above his marker but can’t keep his header down and guides the ball over the crossbar!
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
27 mins: Bella-Kotchap is having a fine game for Southampton. United look to flow up the left side of the pitch with Eriksen and Malacia bringing the ball through midfield.
The left-back guides a pass up the wing and gives Sancho a chase but the Southampton defender beats him to the ball, shields it from the winger and wins his team a free kick.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
24 mins: That passage of play will really give confidence to both teams. It will tell Man Utd that Southampton are there for the taking but also boost the Saints for managing to keep out all four efforts at goal.
Sancho and Eriksen combine on the left side with the ball being flicked into the box and Eriksen winning a corner. He takes the set piece himself and whips it deep into the box but Salisu rises above everyone else and heads it away.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
21 mins: Chances! How have Man Utd not scored?
A cross comes in from the right side and Bruno Fernandes picks it out with a header inside the six yard box. He’s under pressure from Armel Bella-Kotchap though and can only head it over to the back post where Anthony Elanga arrives and guides an effort at goal.
Gavin Bazunu scrambles across and keeps it out but the ball deflects back to Fernandes whos shot on the spin is blocked by Bella-Kotchap.
United aren’t done and Christian Eriksen arrives in the box and drills an effort at goal but Bazunu is back in position and with the help of Salisu manages to keep out this effort as well.
Incredible defending from the Saints!
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
18 mins: Mohammed Salisu and Moussa Djenepo are combining well against Anthony Elanga, closing him down quickly and not giving him anytime on the ball.
The United winger is getting slightly frustrated by their efforts.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
15 mins: Manchester United haven’t been as intense as they started against Liverpool but they’re looking composed.
The real test will be when the first goal goes in, Southampton will feel confident they can score and if they do go ahead Man Utd may start to capitulate.
On the other side of the coin, Raphael Varane has started brilliantly for the visitors and seems a commanding presence in United’s back line.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
12 mins: An aerial pass from Southampton is nodded down to Christian Eriksen who calmly chips a long ball towards the two Saints centre-backs as Marcus Rashford makes a run in between them.
Armel Bella-Kotchap sticks out a leg and intercepts the pass before holding off the arriving Jadon Sancho to clear the danger for the home side.
Good defending.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
9 mins: James Ward-Prowse kicks Southampton forward on the counter-attack and slides a pass over to Kyle Walker-Peters on the right side.
The defender drives up to the box but loses the ball to Tyrell Malacia. United’s left-back holds it up well but looks to give the ball to Christian Eriksen and sends a wayward pass into his own box. Joe Aribo collects the ball and checks over to the byline skipping past Scott McTominay.
He looks to shoot/cross but Raphael Varane is covering and blocks the attempt before the ball bounces out of play off the Southampton man.
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