Talk about a statement, Manchester United followed up their two setbacks last week with a record-tying 9-0 demolition of Southampton. The win moved the Red Devils alongside Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, although Pep Guardiola’s side opened up a lead once again today with a 2-0 win over Burnley.
From the outset, United looked poised to control the game but wer helped when a reckless challenge by Alexandre Jankewitz on Scott McTominay earned him a red card and sent Southampton down to 10 men.
The game was over at the end of the first-half as United went into the break 4-0 up, with goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, and an own goal by Jan Bednarek.
The Red Devils had taken only one point from their last two games and were looking to get things back on track at home against a team suffering through injuries and in a three-game losing streak. And they did just that! Here are some key things we learned from yesterday’s game:
Manchester United get their finishing right
When you’re talking about a football game ,the score of 9-0 doesn’t sound right, but here we are. Manchester United got goals from seven different players in their big win and finally showed that they are able to finish their chances, something they had not done in their past couple of games.
After the Saints went down to 10 men, United turned on the pressure, basically playing the whole game in the Southampton half, as evidenced by their possession numbers. Solskjaer’s side took 24 shots with 14 on target and 9 of those finding a way past Alex McCarthy.
It was a good day for the attacking players as Martial got two goals, while Cavani, Rashford, James and Fernandes all had a helping hand in the big blowout win.
Anthony Martial finds his scoring boots
It’s been a really tough start to the season for Anthony Martial who only had five goals in all competitions going into yesterday’s game. This was maybe what the doctor ordered and a game the Frenchman needed to get out of his scoring slump and into some good form. If he can get his scoring touch back again, this spells good things for the United title chase.
The two goals Martial scored today were the first he has scored since the New Year’s Day game, against Aston Villa in the Premier League. He will be hoping this is a sign of things to come as the games come fast and furious down the stretch and with United still in the Europa League and FA Cup, there will be plenty of chances for him to add to his tally.
Luke Shaw might be the best left-back in the Premier League
Once again Luke Shaw went out and proved that he is the best left-back at Manchester United and possibly even the Premier League with another strong performance.
His cross into the box to the far post that led to the Aaron Wan-Bissaka goal was a thing of beauty. He also added another assist with his cross that led to the Edinson Cavani header that made the game 4-0 before half-time.
Shaw has looked good this season especially playing on the left flank with Rashford. He has been able to get forward and get some good crosses into the box, which is probably his biggest strength.
He now has four assists this season and if he continues to play like this he will be in the conversation to be a starter for England at the EUROs this year.