Manchester United kicked off their return from the international break with a Saturday lunchtime clash against Southampton.
The Red Devils were aiming to recover from a deflating 0-3 loss at home to Liverpool.
Andre Onana took up his usual position between the sticks while Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui continued in the back line.
There was a surprise selection in the centre of the park as Christian Eriksen was preferred to Casemiro, with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes making up the midfield three. New signing Manuel Ugarte had to make do with a spot on the bench after a busy week of travel on international duty.
Amad Diallo made a return to the line up after being omitted against Liverpool with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee retaining their starting position.
Here are three things that we learned from the encounter.
Matthijs de Ligt impresses in only second start
The Dutchman was at the centre of controversy over the international break as he was criticised for errors in both of the Netherlands’ Nations League games.
He responded in the perfect way with a strong performance at the heart of the United defence.
In a less than spectacular first 30 minutes of action, the Red Devils were under the cosh quite frequently and De Ligt made numerous tackles, blocks and interventions to keep the Saints at bay.
De Ligt grabbed his first goal in a United shirt with a commanding header from a sumptuous Bruno Fernandes cross. He almost doubled his tally when Diogo Dalot laid the ball off but his effort rather tamely hit Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The former Ajax defender completed another successful action when shortly after scoring, he rose imperiously to clear a dangerous free kick from the home side.
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