What I saw Matthijs de Ligt do for Man United is the perfect response to Virgil van Dijk criticism

Manchester United got back to winning ways on Saturday as they defeated pointless Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s.

The Red Devils were under the cosh in the opening stages of the game and had Andre Onana to thank for keeping the score level. The goalkeeper denied Cameron Archer from the penalty spot after Diogo Dalot brought down Tyler Dibling.

Matthijs de Ligt’s first goal for the club was swiftly followed by Marcus Rashford’s opening goal of the campaign. Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to add a third in injury time.

READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings as Amad and Lisandro Martinez superb vs Southampton

READ MORE: Southampton vs Manchester United LIVE score and goal updates

It was an all-round successful day for Erik ten Hag, with his defence and midfield looking much better after the international break. Here, MEN Sport takes a look at moments you may have missed.

Marcus Rashford's 181-day wait had looked to be a concern for the forward. The forward did OK against Liverpool and was unlucky not to register two assists but he finally grabbed his first goal of the season with a lovely curling effort past Aaron Ramsdale.

The goal put United 2-0 ahead and was his first non-penalty Premier League strike since the start of March. It came following Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring after Andre Onana saved a penalty from Cameron Archer.

When the ball whizzed past Ramsdale, Rashford ran off in celebration and the cameras showed Ruud van Nistelrooy walk to the touchline in celebration. The former striker has been working with the forward since returning to the club so it'll be a relief to see him showing glimpses of his best.

Seeing Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt at the heart of United's defence was a relief,