Manchester United defeated Southampton 1-0 on Saturday afternoon to make it back-to-back Premier League victories.
Erik ten Hag picked the same starting lineup as against Liverpool, which meant that new addition Carlos Casemiro began on the bench alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
After a rather uneventful opening, United was unlucky not to be up on minute 19 when superb Southampton defense stopped Anthony Elanga, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen from scoring in rapid succession during one score rush.
Armel Bella-Kotchap received a corner from James Ward-Prowse in the box in the 38th minute, but instead of scoring from close range, the defender fired over the crossbar.
Southampton had two more chances, with Che Adams heading past the far post before being stopped by David de Gea a few minutes later after turning Lisandro Martinez in the box.
A well-worked team move culminated with Diogo Dalot setting out for Fernandes, who reached the back of the net with a first-time finish for his first goal of the season ten minutes into the second half.
What. A. Finish. ???#MUFC || #SOUMUN pic.twitter.com/uB5oirVqxL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2022
On 65 minutes, Southampton came within a whisker of tying the game when Adam Armstrong did well to set up Joe Aribo, who saw his header well saved by De Gea.
Ten Hag made his first substitution three minutes later, with Ronaldo replacing Jadon Sancho, and Casemiro making his debut 10 minutes later in place of Elanga.
The Saints were shockingly camped in the United as they sought an equalizer, but Ten Hag’s men defended effectively and remained resolute to enable them win their second game in a row.
