Edinson Cavani

Talking points: Southampton v United

Sunday 29 November 2020 16:42

Edinson Cavani was the name on every Manchester United fan's lips after the Reds came back from two goals down to claim another vital three points.

The Uruguayan came off the bench to score twice and provide an assist for Bruno Fernandes, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s substitution proved crucial in our incredible comeback against the Saints.

The 3-2 win had plenty of talking points and we’ve pulled them together here...

90 in 20: Southampton 2 United 3 Video

90 in 20: Southampton 2 United 3

Don't miss the extended highlights from United's incredible 3-2 win over Southampton in November 2020...

CRUCIAL CAVANI

The Uruguayan goal machine replaced Mason Greenwood at half-time and provided an instant threat. Cavani’s high pressing and constant movement caused the Southampton defence all sorts of trouble and his first goal involvement came on the hour-mark as his precise cross found Bruno Fernandes in the box, who scored to half the Saints’ lead. Cavani then grabbed our equaliser with an instinctive diving header as he brilliantly met Fernandes's cross-cum-shot. The coup de grâce came in injury time and it was another superb header past McCarthy. What an impact!

BRILLIANT BRUNO

Bruno Fernandes's goals and assists stats continue to make the mind boggle. Our Portuguese talisman once again showed his attacking qualities, scoring his 22nd goal for United in the second half, before laying on an assist for Cavani to draw us level. Those two goal involvements mean that our Portuguese magnifico has as many goal involvements, 36 (22 goals, 14 assists), as he does games, 36. Simply brilliant, Bruno!

AWAY WIN RECORD

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side set a club record with an eighth straight top-flight away win for the first time in our history. We are also the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive away games despite trailing in each. In another interesting stat, United have come from behind to beat Southampton for the 10th time in the Premier League, only us ourselves have won as many from behind against an opponent in the competition (10 vs Newcastle).

DONNY’S FIRST LEAGUE START

Following a dominant display against Istanbul Basaksehir, where the Dutch midfielder got stuck in with plenty of tackles and passes, Donny was handed his first Premier League start against the Saints. Our number 34 has been a solid addition to the United squad since his arrival at the club in the summer, getting the majority of his minutes in the League Cup and the Champions League so far. The 23-year-old once again showed quality in the centre of the park and was one of United's stand-out performers.

Solskjaer: I love the way Cavani moves Video

Solskjaer: I love the way Cavani moves

"He is one of the best because of his experience and qualities," says the boss, praising Edinson's impact...

OLE’S TACTICAL FLEXIBILITY

Against Istanbul Basaksehir in midweek United played Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on the wing in support of Edinson Cavani in a typical 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bruno Fernandes just behind them. On the south coast, Ole opted for a diamond in the centre which caused Southampton a host of problems. The Reds showed our tactical flexibility, however, when Ole shuffled things around at the break and introduced Cavani and the Reds got our just rewards in the end.

501 FOR DE GEA

David De Gea made his 501st club appearance on Sunday. The Spaniard played 84 times for Atletico Madrid between 2009 and 2011, when he made the switch to United. In 417 appearances for the Reds, the 30-year-old has kept 145 clean sheets. Unfortunately, the day ended in disappointment for David who was forced off injured at the break with an injury as he attempted to save Southampton's second goal.

HENDERSON’S UNITED LEAGUE DEBUT

The injury to De Gea meant Dean Henderson was handed his Premier League debut for the Reds. The 23-year-old made 36 appearances in the competition for Sheffield United last term, but so for this season the Academy product had played in the Carabao Cup and Champions League. He'll certainly have been delighted to have been part of such a memorable win for his United league bow. Congratulations, Dean! 

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