Manchester United 3 – 1 Southampton
Huben Amuri’s team was staring at the possibility of defeat against bottom-ranked Southampton until the 81st minute. Then, thanks to Amad Diallo’s brilliant performance, they turned things around.
Despite Southampton winning only once in their last 20 matches and conceding 44 goals, Manchester United struggled to break through their defense. However, after a hard-fought battle, the Red Devils ended on a high note. Overcoming an early setback, they celebrated a thrilling victory as Diallo’s hat-trick stole the show.
The Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night ended in a 3-1 win for United. An own goal in the first half put them behind, but Diallo’s three goals in 12 minutes late in the game ensured the team’s joyous comeback.
Back in September, United had beaten Southampton 3-0 on their ground. Though this time they faced a scare, they still secured a dominant victory in the end.
In a season filled with failures, this was only United’s seventh league win. With five draws, they now sit 12th in the table with 26 points from 21 matches. Southampton, with just six points, remain at the bottom.
After three consecutive league defeats, United had started the year with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool. Last Sunday, they pulled off a dramatic win against Arsenal in the FA Cup, reaching the fourth round by holding their ground with ten men and triumphing in the penalty shootout.
Buoyed by that confidence, United had a clear chance to go ahead in the 20th minute of this match. Alejandro Garnacho received a perfect pass from Rasmus Højlund but missed the target, leaving coach Amuri visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
Seven minutes later, Southampton nearly took the lead, but goalkeeper André Onana’s stunning double save denied them. The young midfielder Tyler Dibling’s shot was stopped with a dive, and Onana also thwarted Mathues Fernandes’ rebound effort.
Unfortunately, United couldn’t keep their net untouched in the 43rd minute. A corner deflected off Manuel Ugarte’s back and into their own goal.
United, who had 10 shots in the first half but managed only one on target, nearly suffered a bigger blow moments later. Dibling’s powerful long-range strike was brilliantly saved by Onana.
Southampton came close again in the 58th minute when Ghanaian midfielder Kamaldeen Sulemana’s sharp-angle shot narrowly missed the post. On the counter, Antony wasted an open chance at the other end.
With 30 minutes left, United became desperate. Their relentless attacks finally bore fruit in the 82nd minute. Diallo received a pass, dribbled into the box, evaded a defender, and slotted it home to equalize.
Boosted by the equalizer, United pushed harder. In the first minute of added time, Diallo scored again with a one-two combination with Christian Eriksen.
Just three minutes later, Diallo stole the ball from a defender in the box and completed his hat-trick, sealing the win and putting all doubts to rest. The Ivorian forward’s heroics ensured a thrilling finish for United.
