Southampton 0-1 Manchester United: Romelu Lukaku Keeps Up Fine Scoring Form

The Belgium striker points his hand to the sky after opening the scoring in the 20th minute of the Premier League encounter

Romelu Lukaku kept his fine goalscoring form up by netting the opener for Manchester United on 20 minutes.

United have picked up an impressive 16 points from their opening six matches of the new Premier League season

Media report continues:

Southampton ramped up the pressure on United in second half but the visitors held firm to claim three points

Lukaku's sixth goal of the season was enough for United to claim their fifth win out of six league fixtures

Jose Mourinho's side currently sit level on 16 points with rivals Manchester City from their first six matches

When the final whistle sounded at St Mary’s, Romelu Lukaku fell to the floor in the centre circle and pounded the turf with his right fist. The match-winner once more, Lukaku was the last off the pitch, too. To him and the rest of Manchester United’s players this felt like a big win.

It was not a vintage performance from United. Far from it. Careless in possession, they were hanging on to their lead for long periods of the second half and Jose Mourinho grew so animated in his determination to urge his players to thwart their opponents that he was sent to the stands in the dying seconds by referee Craig Pawson.

But Lukaku’s predatory strike early in the first half was enough to give them another three points and the Belgian his sixth goal in as many league games since his summer move from Everton. So much for the concerns that his finishing might not be up to scratch.

The United fans massed behind one goal sang his name lustily. They sang his controversial song, too, even though the player and the club have asked them not to. ‘We’ll sing what we want,’ they chanted defiantly.

United were the brighter side in the opening stages and Rashford made life hard for Cedric on the Southampton right with a series of surging runs that forced the full-back to bring him down or tug him back several times in the opening ten minutes.

It was little surprise, then, that United’s opening goal emanated from that flank after 20 minutes. This time, it was Young who tormented Cedric, turning him one way and then the other until he made space to whip the ball into the box with his right foot.

Southampton’s centre backs were close to Lukaku but neither made a respectable attempt to jump with him. Lukaku towered above them both and powered his header in on goal from the edge of the six yard box.

Forster made an excellent one-handed reaction save to push the ball away but he could only divert it right back into the path of the Belgian striker who reacted quicker than the Southampton defenders and knocked it into the net.

It begged the question why exactly Virgil van Dijk was still sitting on the Southampton bench. Whatever the reasons, whether by accident or design, he did move elsewhere in the summer. It seems pointless to keep punishing him for his flirtations. No wonder the Southampton fans gave him a rousing reception when he ran down the touchline to warm up midway through the half.

Lukaku’s goal was his sixth in his first six league games for United, equalling the mark set by Louis Saha in his first six appearances for the club and exceeding the number scored by anyone else, including Eric Cantona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie. He has made quite an impact.

United were playing well in defence, too. Southampton showed improved confidence after their victory at Crystal Palace last weekend and twice Phil Jones made superb interceptions to thwart danger as the home side threatened early in the second half.

From the second of those interceptions, Southampton gained a corner and when it squirted through a crowd of players, it seemed that Romeu would score with a tap in. But a challenge put him off at the last second and Romeu snatched at his shot and pulled it just wide.

Southampton continued to press for an equaliser. Lemina, who earned rave reviews for his performance at Selhurst Park, began to control central midfield and De Gea had to dive smartly to his right to stop a low shot from Redmond arrowing in at his near post.

Long complained bitterly soon afterwards when he thought Jones pulled him down just outside the area as both men contested a bouncing through ball and a minute later, Long just failed to get on the end of a driven cross after some terrific approach play by his side.

As Southampton pressed, they left themselves exposed at the back and Lukaku could have doubled United’s advantage when Mkhitaryan played him in and his shot was blocked by a defender. At the other end, Romeu’s header from a Tadic corner was headed off the line by Fellaini.

United were on the rack now and with 15 minutes left, Mourinho brought on Smalling in place of Mkhitaryan. Southampton promptly went close again, Romeu dragging a left foot shot wide after he had ghosted into the United area.

Herrera, a second half substitute for Mata, should have put the game beyond doubt ten minutes from time when Lukaku pulled the ball back to him from the byline as he waited 15 yards out. Herrera had time to control the ball and pick his spot but he lifted his shot well over the bar.

United worked hard to try to preserve their lead. When an attack broke down, Mourinho exhorted Lukaku to chase back to pressure the ball and the striker obeyed, earning himself a booking and the praise of his boss in the process.

Not long after that, Mourinho was sent to the stands by Mr Pawson. Before he went, he made a point of shaking hands with every member of the Southampton bench before he was ushered away. Once again, the United manager made sure he had the last laugh.