The opening half was an intriguing battle between the two sides. Neither goalkeeper had to truly make a save but both teams played positively and attacked well nonetheless. 

 

Saints had the better opportunities in the first 45 minutes with Nathaniel Clyne and Jose Fonte coming close but they went into the dressing rooms still deadlocked.

 

United started dominating much of the play as the half wore on with Daley Blind getting forward well while Clyne and Bertrand were pinned back. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata struggled to find their form and didn't create as much as would have been expected of them.

 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 69th minute as Dusan Tadic played a through-ball for Pelle to run onto and strike. The attempt bounced off the post and found Tadic who slotted coolly to give the Saints the lead.

 

United had two great chances within a couple of minutes of each other around the 77-minute mark. Both chances were spurned by Mata. Both were created by Blind's crosses that picked out the Spaniard but the former Chelsea man was unable to score even from six yards out.

 

The Red Devils were made to rue their missed chances as Southampton held on for the three points.