They’re the main Hero in that Southampton game,if they continue like this we will actually finish above Chelsea this season”, Paul scholes single out TWO Man united star for praise for their wonderful performance against Southampton – Not Fernandez and Not Garnacho.
Paul Scholes expressed admiration for two Manchester United players following their commanding 3-0 triumph over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. This win was crucial for United as it helped them close the gap on their Premier League rivals, fueling hopes of overtaking Chelsea if they maintain their impressive form. Interestingly, Scholes didn’t focus on regular stars like Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho but instead spotlighted two unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in the victory.
While Marcus Rashford and Garnacho made significant contributions to the scoreline, Matthijs de Ligt and Andre Onana were the true standout performers of the evening. De Ligt, a high-profile summer signing, broke the deadlock with a powerful header in the 35th minute, giving United the lead and shifting the momentum of the game. His goal not only lifted the team’s confidence but also set the tone for the rest of the match. Besides scoring, De Ligt was a rock at the back, orchestrating the defense and making crucial stops to limit Southampton’s attacking threats.
Earlier in the game, Southampton had a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty. Cameron Archer stepped up to take it, but Andre Onana showcased his shot-stopping prowess with an incredible save. He blocked Archer’s penalty and quickly reacted to stop the rebound, keeping the score level. This double save not only prevented Southampton from gaining the upper hand but also gave United a psychological edge that propelled them forward. Onana’s sharp reflexes and commanding presence were instrumental in securing a clean sheet for his team.
Wes Brown, another former United player who provided analysis on MUTV, echoed Scholes’ sentiments, singling out De Ligt and Onana for their decisive contributions. Brown emphasized how their performances were key to United achieving their second clean sheet of the season. He pointed out that De Ligt’s commanding display came at a critical time after some earlier criticism and noted that the Dutchman’s leadership at the back was crucial. “De Ligt really stepped up when it mattered,” Brown commented. “His defensive work was top-notch, and scoring the first goal was the icing on the cake.” He also praised Onana, noting that his penalty save was a game-changing moment. Brown added that if Southampton had scored first, the outcome of the match might have been different. Onana’s heroics gave United the platform to dominate the game.
Ultimately, the contributions of De Ligt and Onana were central to Manchester United’s commanding victory over Southampton. If they continue performing at this level, United’s season could exceed expectations, with a strong chance of competing for a top-four finish and even surpassing Chelsea. The win at St. Mary’s could be seen as a turning point in United’s campaign, with De Ligt and Onana playing vital roles in shaping the team’s path to success.