Manchester United 0-1 Southampton: Five Talking Points

A goal from second-half substitute Dusan Tadic proved to be the difference between the two sides in a closely fought tactical battle at Old Trafford. The home side monopolised possession throughout the game, but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Saints defence.It was only after they went behind that they started to create chances. But Juan Mata's inability to finish three good chances in the final 15 minutes meant that United's unbeaten run was finally broken as the Saints claimed their first win at Old Trafford in the League since 1988.Here are the major talking points from the game. Dusan Tadic of Southampton battles for the ball with Chris Smalling and Michael Carrick of Manchester United

#1 Role reversal at Old Trafford

After playing arguably one of their worst games of the season and still emerging on the winning side at St. Marys in December, Louis Van Gaal called his side "lucky". The 2-1 scoreline that day had made it five wins on the bounce for United and had condemned Southampton to their third-straight defeat.

But Sunday's game at Old Trafford saw the roles being reversed. Although United came into the game unbeaten since early November, it was the Saints, with three wins in their last four League games, who had form on their side.

Much like the game at St. Marys, the hosts dominated the ball, but a spirited defensively display meant that it was Van Gaal who was left bemoaning his side's inability to take their chances, which eventually ended their 11-game unbeaten run.

#2 Substitutions change the game

Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria and Robin Van Persie, all started in attack, but it was the removal of the latter two that changed the complexion of the game. Although he didn't receive the ball often in the first half, Van Persie was making the runs in behind the Saints defence, and was the home team’s most bright spot consistently. His removal, whether due to injury or for tactical reasons, meant that United lacked a goal threat, especially someone that loves scoring against Southampton.

And although Angel Di Maria struggled to replicate the form that he showed at the start of his United career, his pace and ability to penetrate was starting to cause a few problems for the visitors’ defence. But his removal and the arrival of Marouane Fellaini saw the side adopt a more direct approach, which hindered their ability to penetrate. Although Blind's switch to left wing back created a few chances towards the end, without Van Persie, they didn't have the striker to stick the goals away, which eventually led to the defeat.

#3 Perfect away performance helps Saints create history

Having collected four points from their last two games against Chelsea and Arsenal, the Saints came into this match hoping to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games. But having collected just two points out a possible 45 from their visits to Old Trafford in the Premier League, they knew that it wasn't going to be easy.

Whether it was playing a diamond in midfield or starting with Eljero Elia up front to give them some pace to stretch the defence, or bringing on Dusan Tadic to add some more control – Ronald Koeman got his tactics spot on.

And in Jose Fonte, they had a leader in the heart of their defence who was able to organize the other defenders. The full backs Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand stuck to their tasks perfectly and there was a solid defensive midfield composed of Morgan Schneiderlin and Vincent Wanyama. And by scoring with their only shot on target, they gave the away fans something they haven't had before, a win at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

#4 Players, not the formations decide the game

Far too much is made of formations in the modern day. Such that it sometimes appears as if any side that goes against the norm is criticised. On Sunday, United employed a 3-5-2 with Van Persie and Di Maria up front, Mata just behind with Rooney and Carrick as central midfielders, while Southampton went for a four-man defence and a diamond in midfield with Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama as a shield in front of the back four, Steven Davis and James Ward-Prowse just in front of them.

Although there was just a solitary goal in the game, the different tactics employed by the two managers made it in an engrossing game, if not an entertaining one. And while many will be quick to criticize United for the umpteenth time for using a back three, the goal they conceded was a result of their inability to deal with a long ball and not the system they employed.

In the end, it was the defensive discipline of Southampton that frustrated a star-studded attack and not the failure of the system, which for the first time this season, seemed to click for United.

#5 Have the Saints finally overcome their inferiority complex?

When Southampton lost three straight games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, doubts began to emerge about whether they could finish in the top four at the end of the season. Last season as well, after a brilliant start, they tailed away towards the end and their performances in the big games was a big disappointment.

But after a draw at home to Chelsea, in which they had to dig deep and defend for their lives, it looked as though the Saints have started to believe that they could beat the big teams.

Back-to-back wins over Arsenal and United now sees them third. After the game, both Koeman and goal scorer DusanTadic were keen to stress the importance of believing in themselves and showing courage in the big games. If the Saints can continue believing, there is no reason why they won't be able to finish in the top four.