Five key talking points as United run riot in record-breaking nine-goal thriller against Southampton

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United bounced back from their previous two disappointing results to ship nine past Southampton at Old Trafford.

Southampton are now the first Premier League side to lose by a nine-goal deficit twice, following their 9-0 defeat to Leicester City last season.

The hosts are now joint on points with league leaders Manchester City, although their fierce rivals have played two less games than the former.

Here are the five key talking points from the entertaining game:

United making records

The Red Devils equalled their biggest ever Premier League win after beating the Saints by a nine-goal deficit.

They last won 9-0 against Ipswich Town in 1995.

United are now the only side to have twice won by nine goals in the Premier League era, with it being only the third time a team has won by nine goals since the league started.

Between the past three managers before Solskjaer – Moyes, Van Gaal and Mourinho – Manchester United won by five or more goals twice. With the Norwegian at the helm, the side have won by five or more goals eight times.

The manager will hope the win will fuel the side with some much-needed confidence in what has been on of their most impressive first-half of a season post-Ferguson.

Controversial VAR decisions

It may sound ridiculous for those who didn’t watch, but the scoreline didn’t reflect the way Southampton played. The side were victims of harsh officiating.

Che Adams’ 53^rd minute strike – which would have made it 3-1 – was disallowed over an incredibly controversial offside decision.

 

Three of United’s goals also came after the visitors were reduced to nine men.

Jan Bednarek was dismissed by VAR in the 86^th minute for a supposed foul on Anthony Martial. There was minimal contact – if any – and, although it didn’t change the outcome of the match, it almost certainly wouldn’t have ended 9-0 had Bednarek not been red carded.

Overall, United most probably would have won even if the two decisions went in Southampton’s favour, but Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ought to feel hard done by with some decisions which went against them.

Early red card was a game-changer

Alexandre Jankewitz was dismissed for a challenge on Scott McTominay in the second minute of the game.

Although, in today’s age, the decision was arguably correct, it massively changed the game.

Southampton had to defend on a low-block, being a man down, and were unable to counter attack in numbers as they probably planned to do.

Inviting pressure was always going to be an uphill battle, with United scoring the first through Aaron Wan-Bissaka. After that, it was always going to be difficult for a 10-man side.

Again, whether United would have won without the dismissal will never be known, but it’s adamant Southampton would have faired more chance had the tackle resulted in a yellow card.

Cavani is what United have been calling out for

Despite only playing one half, Edinson Cavani massively impressed for United.

Not only did he score a fantastic header, but his all-round play benefits the side greatly.

Cavani’s movement is unparalleled, as he always gives defenders something to worry about.

In United’s first goal, the Uruguayan grabbed the defenders’ attention with a run to the near post, leaving Wan-Bissaka in heaps of space at the back post to convert.

Credit – BT Sport Twitter 

Manchester United play best when the striker plays, so they must manage the playing time of the 33-year-old effectively to get the best out of him.

Wan-Bissaka effective at both ends of the pitch

Left-back to right-back ?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka doesn't score many, but he can thank Luke Shaw for this one, brilliant cross! pic.twitter.com/h9QaqddvEb

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 2, 2021

Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka arguably put in a man-of-the-match performance last night.

Often criticised for his end-product, his progressiveness in the final third saw him heavily involved in United’s attacks throughout the first half, breaking the deadlock in the 18^th minute. He also provided the cross for Anthony Martial’s second goal.

The 23-year-old who signed from Crystal Palace last season was also detrimental in keeping a sought-after clean sheet. His perfectly timed last-ditch tackle on Danny Ings prevented the striker going one-on-one with David De Gea in the 64th minute.

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