Manchester United 3-2 Southampton: 5 Talking Points, Premier League 2018/19

Manchester United claimed a 3-2 win over Southampton in what was a thrilling Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford came back into the side for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after recovering from injury, but it was Southampton who took the lead, surprising the crowd. Yan Valery scored a brilliant goal, thrashing the ball from outside the box. David De Gea could have stopped it, but no credit should be taken away from Valery.

Andreas Pereira bettered Valery's effort in the second half. The youngster let rip from far to equalise for United. Soon the home side were in front, as Romelu Lukaku scored with a low drive into the far corner. It looked as though United were on course, but James Ward-Prowse played spoilsport. He curled in a magnificent free-kick to make it 2-2.

Lukaku had the last laugh though, when he curled in a right-footed shot to give United the win in the dying minutes. Southampton conceded a penalty in stoppage time, but Paul Pogba's effort was saved by Angus Gunn.

It was an entertaining game at Old Trafford, as Manchester United set themselves up nicely for the Champions League tie against PSG in midweek. Here are the major talking points from the game.

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#5 No return for Southampton despite a plucky performance

One thing is for sure: Southampton did not make it easy for Manchester United. They took the lead in the first half and equalised later to make it 2-2. United had more possession, but they created 7 chances in the game, the same as the Saints.

The performance should give them confidence, but not getting any points would be a bummer. Ralph Hasenhuttl's side is two points clear of the relegation zone at this moment. Cardiff City are behind them in 18th place, as both Fulham and Huddersfield have all but accepted their fate. Essentially, Southampton are fighting to avoid finishing in 18th place.

The Saints' schedule is relatively easy, and the last stretch looks extremely favourable. They do have some injuries to deal with, but Hasenhuttl will feel that the quality of his side should see him through.

#4 Permanent offer for Ole on the horizon?

Solskjaer has done wonders in his role as caretaker manager at Old Trafford. United have dropped just four points in the league under him, and have crept into the top four. They also claimed FA Cup wins over Arsenal and Chelsea in impressive fashion. The Champions League has been a hurdle, but these are still early days for Ole.

He said some indicative things in his pre-match press conference. "I've done a video shoot on season tickets so I'm pleading with them to get their season tickets," Solskjaer said before the Southampton clash. "It will be strange to see myself in a video if I'm not here. Everyone knows I'd like to stay of course, but that's not decided until the end of the season."

The win against Southampton only makes his case stronger. He is the clear favourite for the permanent job, and the fans and players alike would love if that happens. Over to you, Ed.

#3 Quality of goals on display was sensational

The match was not short of drama, excitement, and moments of brilliance. Five goals were scored on the day, and the majority of them were worth watching again.

Jan Valery's strike opened the scoring, and it was a pure strike from outside the box. Andreas Pereira's equaliser was arguably better, as he curled the ball past the dive of Angus Gunn. The youngster had a great game, and his goal was definitely the highlight.

Both of Lukaku's goals were precise finishes, and the winner especially was top notch, but the goal of the game came from James Ward-Prowse. His whipped free-kick was delightful, and even David De Gea had no chance of stopping it.

Some of the defending on the day was suspect, but it gave rise to some sensational strikes. At the end of the day, isn't that we all want to see?

#2 Manchester United firmly in the top-four race

After the poor start to the season, finishing in the top four was always going to be the ceiling for Manchester United. So far, so good. The win against Southampton pushed them into fourth place and just three points behind third-placed Tottenham.

Arsenal are just one point behind in fifth after their draw against Spurs earlier today. Chelsea are five points adrift, though they do have two games in hand. With nine games to go, the race for Champions League places is bound to be a tight one as four teams will fight for two spots.

United's schedule is not exactly favourable though. They are yet to face Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City. All four sides are currently involved in Europe, so managing the sides will be crucial. Getting that top four spot will be paramount for Solskjaer if he wants to keep the job come next season.

#1 The renaissance of Romelu Lukaku

It is safe to say that Romelu Lukaku did not have the best start to the season. He was apparently overweight, and his scoring touch seemed to have deserted him. The Belgian had lost the turn of pace and was not being able to impact the game much.

Solskjaer's appointment was not exactly a blessing at first either. Marcus Rashford was preferred to him, and Lukaku started many games on the bench. But he has grown into his role in recent weeks. The wide role has suited him, and his brace against Crystal Palace last week was decisive.

Southampton also bore the brunt of his form, and both his goals were well-taken finishes. Lukaku was a clinical goalscorer in the past couple of seasons, both for Manchester United and Everton. The absence of Anthony Martial has been a blessing with disguise, and Rom has taken the opportunity with both hands.

Edited by Sai Krishna