Solid Martinez and Bruno goal: United vs. Southampton

Manchester United have built on their huge win against Liverpool by beating Southampton 1-0 in what was a closely contested game which could've gone either way. However, regardless of how they've done it, picking up the three points was vital for United who lost their first two games.

The points were won for United by the defence, with Lisandro Martinez, in particular, being immense at centre-back. Much was made of Martinez's height when he first arrived from Ajax for £50 million, but following his second man of the match performance in a row, those critics now should be backtracking. This performance against Southampton in particular highlighted the impact Martinez has had defensively, winning 100% of his duels, 5 aerial duels and 1 ground duel. He also had 4 interceptions and 7 clearances in what was a hugely impressive performance which ended with United's first clean sheet in 6 games. 

Ten Hag has clearly now settled on the back four of Dalot, Varane, Martinez and Malacia being his strongest, which makes bleak reading for Harry Maguire. Dalot was also hugely impressive, winning seven of his eleven duels and even assisting the goal with a superb cut-back cross to Bruno Fernandes. 

The goal scorer Bruno told BT Sport that despite back-to-back wins, it was important that the fans don't get carried away stating:

 

"One win doesn’t make the league, two games doesn’t make the league. We have to carry on in this spirit for the rest of the season. This club demands this. We said before the game, we set the standard, so we have to carry on with this standard."

While we have won two games on the bounce now, it is important that we remain focused in the transfer window, as we have blatant weak spots across the pitch. Casemiro making his debut was good to see as his cameo ensured the win and the clean sheet with his 3 aerial duels and 1 ground duel won in just 10 minutes. 

Next United will travel to face Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Thursday in what is another must-win, a win that could see United climb as high as 5th.