Mourinho efficiency prolongs United's unbeaten run
Romelu Lukaku's first-half strike gave United all three points as they remained firm despite Southampton asking all sorts of questions in the second half.
Ahead of Manchester United's visit to the south coast of England, Southampton coach Mauricio Pellegrino referred to the Red Devils as 'the biggest team in the world'. Mourinho's side have got off to a flying start in the Premier League this season, but their test at St.Mary's was enough to prove they are in need of work.
The Saints' boss was surely not lauding their style of play, for United are not the flashiest of teams when on the ball, but it is undeniable that they are one of the most efficient teams around, and Southampton suffered the blunt end of United's attacking punch.
No team really settled on the ball in the early minutes, as the Saints cancelled out the visitors' efforts to burst forward. The game entered an end-to-end stage before the away team managed to get on the ball, and that is when they pounced.
The threat posed by Jose Mourinho's side is that: out of nowhere, they create danger. Their first long spell of possession came after 20 minutes, before the ball was finally worked out for Ashley Young on the left flank.
The left-back twisted and turned before pinging in a cross for Romelu Lukaku whose header was superbly saved by Forster. It was unlucky for the keeper as the ball fell straight back to the Belgian who fired in the rebound from close range.
It was harsh on the Saints, who had patiently played some good passing football deep in United's half, though never really managing to test De Gea. Rashford almost doubled his side's lead when he sent a free-kick from 25 yards inches past the wrong side of th post, proving the Red Devils did not need possession to create danger.
After the break, Southampton piled on the pressure, but United withstood the onslought from the hosts thanks greatly due to brilliant performances from Phil Jones and Ashlery Young in defence.
The game came to life when the away side had their best chance of the game, Lukaku going for goal inside the box and Forster saving with his feet. Southampton were straight up the other end with Fellaini instinctively clearing Romeu's header off the line.
Southampton pushed forward, leaving spaces at the back for United to exploit on the break. Lukaku was again involved as he pulled the ball back for Herrera to blaze his strike over the bar from 12 yards, after Romeu stuck the ball across the face of De Gea's goal, the keeper beaten as the ball drifted wide.
Jose Mourinho was sent off for venturing onto the pitch well into stoppage time but his team managd to hold onto their lead to keep pace with rivals Manchester City at the top of the table.