Manchester United boss heaps praises on Two Players after Southampton win

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag heaped praises on his players after their 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday (September 14).

Andre Onana secured a clean sheet Man United in a trick away match. Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford found the net along with Matthijs De Ligt as the Red Devils registered a crucial victory.

Rashford's goal was particularly significant given his recent struggles. After scoring only eight goals last season and failing to score in his last four matches of 2024/25, his curling shot into Aaron Ramsdale's net just before halftime was a relief.

De Ligt has faced criticism recently but reminded everyone of his abilities against Southampton. The £38 million centre-back showed why Ten Hag once predicted he could become the world's best defender. His performance was not just defensively solid but also highlighted his threat in the opposition box.

Ten Hag confirmed that De Ligt was signed for both his defensive skills and his ability on set pieces. Manchester United only scored nine set-piece goals in the 2023/24 season, but they managed two within six minutes at St Mary's.

"We know we have signed," Ten Hag said on De Ligt. "A very good player with lots of attributes. One is that he is good on set plays. A very good cross from Bruno, so well done."

Rashford has been working hard off the pitch to regain form. Left out of the England squad again, he trained with coach Ryan Hopper during the international break. Hopper praised Rashford's attitude and mentality. Rashford's performance against Southampton showed signs of returning confidence as he ran at their defence with renewed swagger.

"Very important," Ten Hag said about Rashford's first goal of the season.

"We spoke before the game. It's so huge for him, for every striker. You want to be on that scoring list. Now, he has his first and I am sure he will get more," he added.

The victory over Southampton marked Manchester United's first win by this margin since beating West Ham in February.

Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the team's performance: "You have to win every game. We did today, and sometimes you have to find a way to win," Ten Hag told TNT Sports on 14th September at 2:45 pm. "The first minutes, we had some problems. After Andre stopped the penalty and the goal from Matthijs de Ligt, I think the game was all ours."