Record equalling win
Manchester United obliterated nine-man Southampton 9-0 at Old Trafford to equal the record for the biggest margin of victory in the Premier League.
Southampton were without many key players, up to nine, and gave two youngsters their first starts.
First half
Their chances of making the game competitive were dealt a critical blow when Alexandre Jankewitz was sent off for a reckless challenge on Scott McTominay after just 78 seconds.
The red card ended the match as a contest and United took advantage with some superb attacking football and a dominant performance.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka opened the scoring with a poked finish at the back-post after a pinpoint delivery from fellow full-back Luke Shaw.
Marcus Rashford made it two after a pull-back by Mason Greenwood, while Edinson Cavani headed in from another Shaw cross.
Jan Bednarek’s own goal from a Rashford cross saw United lead by four at half time.
Second half
The second half took time to get going with the hosts in control. They then pressed the foot on the accelerator and scored five in the last 25 minutes.
Anthony Martial ended an eight-match drought with a thumping finish from a Bruno Fernandes chipped pass before McTominay added a sixth with a low drive.
It got worse for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side as Bednarek brought down Martial in the penalty area and was controversially sent off after a VAR review.
Fernandes slotted the penalty in, and then Martial netted his second from a Wan-Bissaka cross. Substitute Daniel James got the ninth with a flicked finish from close range after a cushioned header from Fernandes.
What it means
United had won just once in their last four league matches but bounced back in style. They stay second and are level on points with Man City, who have two games in hand.
Southampton drop to 12th and are in comfortable mid table with 29 points.
Stats
It is the second time Southampton have lost 9-0 in the space of 16 months, after losing to Leicester last season.
It was the Saints’ biggest away defeat in any competition and their fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League.
Man United have now scored the most goals in the division with 46 from 22 games.
Featured image: Manchester United’s French striker Anthony Martial (C) celebrates with Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (L) after scoring their fifth goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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