Southampton 1-1 Manchester United: Three key moments in the game

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Daniel James of Manchester United celebrates with team mates after scoring his teams first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Saints openness helps United to take lead

Saints made a lively start to the game, but Manchester United exploited the gaps that their attacking left with great effect in the 10th minute.

It was noticeable how much room wingers Daniel James and Andreas Pereira were getting in the first-half as they linked up with full-backs Ashley Young and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and this paid dividends as James opened the scoring.

A quick attack saw the 21-year-old receive the ball just outside the area, whilst Juan Mata and Ashley Young sped up alongside him to join in.

It was Mata’s run around the outside that produced the goal as he gave Cedric something else to think about. The Saints man had two players to deal with and couldn’t commit either way, meaning James had the space to rifle home a superb finish across goal.