Manchester United did something they haven't been able to do in a long time vs Southampton according to Rio Ferdinand. United played out a relatively-even first half with their hosts at a warm St Mary's. Christian Eriksen went closest for the away side during a goalmouth scramble but somehow Southampton survived.
After the break, United managed to break the deadlock. A fierce cross from Diogo Dalot on the right found Bruno Fernandes free in the box and his cushioned volley beat Gavin Bazunu.
Saints would push for an equaliser but it wasn't to be for the south coast team. Post-match Ferdinand told BT Sport that the Reds had accomplished what has been a rare feat for United recently.
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"I think you needed both (performance and result), they’re in a position where you need the result but the performance is a good signal to where they’re going," Ferdinand explained. "They ground the result out, they haven’t been able to do that for a long time.
"Coming away here, midday, under the sun, to put in a performance, it’s a different kind of performance. They had to be resolute and they got a clean sheet. Definitely in the right direction, still a long way to go, we need to see this repeatedly time and time again."
The result sees United up to sixth ahead of the 3pm kick-offs. United are in action again in midweek against Leicester City.
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