Manchester United are up to six points from four games after earning three hard-fought points against Southampton on Saturday afternoon, with Bruno Fernandes’ second-half strike handing the Reds the spoils.
United were under pressure to put an end to their long losing streak away from home and St. Mary’s has been a happy hunting ground for them since the Saints were promoted in 2012.
Lisandro Martinez was United’s best player against Liverpool and the Argentine followed that performance up with another colossal showing on the south coast.
The Argentine has formed a partnership with Raphael Varane at the back and Martinez has now been praised by Paul Scholes.
🗣 "I don't think they played great"
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United can be positive about their win against Southampton despite their performance ✅ pic.twitter.com/lra6IPiqhP
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 27, 2022
Read more: Martinez impresses again: player ratings from Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
“I think just winning the game was a major one,” Scholes told BT Sport when quizzed on the positives United can take out of the game. “I don’t think they played great, I don’t think they created many chances but defensively they were good, they were solid.
“Martinez, we were a little bit worried before the game, the left-back. Thought they both did OK, Martinez especially looks (like) a very aggressive player, which he’ll need to be.
“And just getting through the game after such a bad run away from home was important.”
Erik ten Hag will now aim to secure three straight victories in the Premier League when they face Leicester on Thursday night, another tricky away game for the Dutchman.
