Premier League: Bruno Fernandes Sinks Southampton As Manchester United Continue Revival

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United have learned the lessons of their dismal start to the season as Bruno Fernandes clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win at Southampton on Saturday. Ten Hag's side sat bottom of the Premier League after losing their opening two games against Brighton and Brentford. But United have recovered from that embarrassing start to secure successive league victories for the first time since February.

Fernandes netted with a composed strike early in the second half and the Portugal midfielder's first goal this season lifted United into sixth place ahead of the rest of the weekend's matches.

"I think the players learnt some lessons from Brentford. We were more compact on the long balls. Of course we were really happy," Ten Hag said.

Ten Hag named the same starting line-up that defeated Liverpool 2-1 on Monday, meaning unsettled star Cristiano Ronaldo and club captain Harry Maguire were both on the bench.

Ronaldo, keen to leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on September 1, was largely anonymous when he came on for the last 20 minutes.

Casemiro helped United close out the win as the Brazil midfielder made his debut in a 10-minute substitute appearance following his move from Real Madrid.

United were some way short of the intensity and quality that inspired their win against Liverpool.

But they showed the grit so badly lacking in the first two games as they kept Southampton at bay after Fernandes' goal.

Ten Hag will be pleased that Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez stood firm at centre-back, rewarding his decision to keep Maguire on the sidelines.

"At the start of the game we could have created more but I was satisfied. It is the start of the season, it is tough. You have to battle and