United lucky to claim narrow victory over Southampton
Wayne Rooney celebrates
By Chris
February 2 2013
Manchester United opened up a seven point lead at the top of the Premier League following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Southampton at Old Trafford. Jay Rodriguez gave the Saints a surprise lead after three minutes – and though a Wayne Rooney brace secured the points for the Red Devils, United can consider themselves fortunate to have claimed the victory.
A woeful back-pass from Michael Carrick handed Rodriguez the opportunity to break the deadlock after only three minutes, and means Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have fallen behind in half of their league games so far this season.
United responded quickly – Rooney latching onto Kagawa’s through ball and despatching a fine finish; before securing his brace on 27 minutes as Robin Van Persie’s free-kick was nodded on by Patrice Evra, and the England forward supplied the finish.
Rooney’s brace took his tally to the season to 12 goals – 10 behind RVP and two behind Mexican frontman Javier Hernandez.
The hosts squandered opportunities to extend their lead before the break – but it was relegation-threatened Southampton, under the stewardship of new boss Mauricio Pochettino, who were the better team after half-time.
Southampton piled pressure on United and almost found an equaliser through Rickie Lambert, but United held on to clinch a narrow victory which could prove crucial in this season’s Premier League title hunt.
Full Time – Manchester United 2-1 Southampton
Attendance – 75,600