EPL Index
·16 January 2025
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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·16 January 2025
Manchester United’s recent Premier League outing against Southampton was a theatrical showcase of football’s unpredictable charm, ending in a 3-1 victory that flattered the hosts. Despite trailing for the majority of the game, United’s fortunes were reversed in the dying minutes thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Amad Diallo.
The Saints, who have struggled for goals this season, started the match with purpose and aggression. They were the better team in the first half, creating numerous chances but only managing to convert one—a fortuitous own goal by United’s Manuel Ugarte just before the break. This goal was a moment of misfortune for Ugarte, who inadvertently redirected a corner kick into his own net, leaving the score at 1-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
Manchester United’s vulnerability at set pieces was once again on display. Despite the presence of stalwarts like Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, United added an own goal to their season’s tally of set-piece blunders. The ironic chants of “We’ve scored a goal” from the Southampton fans highlighted the moment’s embarrassment for United.
As the match approached its climax, United seemed destined for a disappointing defeat. However, Amad Diallo, the young winger who has become a recurring saviour for the team this season, stepped up spectacularly. He first levelled the score with a clever finish under Aaron Ramsdale. In the game’s final throes, Diallo completed his hat-trick, first with a volley set up by Christian Eriksen, and then capitalising on a defensive error to seal a memorable 3-1 victory.
Manchester United Player Ratings
Southampton Player Ratings (3-4-1-2)
Player of the Match – Amad Diallo (Man Utd)