It wasn’t a classic performance, but Manchester United’s win over Southampton still represented something of a vintage display.
The ability to win ugly when you have underperformed is a crucial trait for any top side, and although United might not be Premier League title challengers yet, they deserve credit for grinding out three points this weekend when they could have easily let their lead slip.
In recent years, United might have crumbled late on, succumbing to Southampton’s pressure, and although they rode their luck at times, it was a true show of resilience when their backs were against the wall.
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A 1-0 away win on the South Coast might not have been celebrated during the glory days; in fact, it most probably would have been dissected as a sign of United’s impending demise, but this one most certainly showed some positives.
There were glimmers of genuine quality, starting with Raphael Varane's commanding centre-back performance, while the goal from Bruno Fernandes was a fantastic end to a well-worked move.
United fans were in phenomenal voice as the full-time whistle rang around a sun-soaked St Mary's and supporters celebrated a rare away day that wasn't ruined by the football. It was United's first away win since they beat Leeds in February and was their first clean sheet on the road since defeating Norwich last December.
In that period, United were thrashed at Brighton and Brentford and lost by a single goal at Everton and Palace. They are in no position to pour cold water on such a result, yet perhaps that is exactly what they need.
Although the win signalled an obvious change in fortunes away from home, the fact it is not being overly celebrated shows the high standards still held by the club despite their dire displays of late.
United need to get back to the stage where such wins are still underwhelming and hold such entitlement that they can demand more after a routine win.
Patience remains the key under Ten Hag, and after a nervy start to his tenure, he has notched two encouraging wins on the spin, both of which were impressive for totally different reasons.
To get his side motivated for the visit of Liverpool on Monday night took little effort, but to have them show the resilience to grind out a win at Southampton on Saturday lunchtime was a truer gauge of their character.
United’s latest three points might be caveated by the fact they won ugly, but in months gone by they wouldn’t have won it at all.
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