London: Charlie Austin made a glorious start to his Southampton career when the striker's superb late header earned the visitors a 1-0 win over a listless Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.
The 26-year old Austin, who joined the Saints from Queens Park Rangers last week, hammered the ball past keeper David De Gea after an inviting cross.
Southampton repeated their success in the corresponding fixture last season when a Dusan Tadic goal gave them their first league victory at Old Trafford in 27 years.
Following a smash-and-grab 1-0 win at fierce rivals Liverpool last week, United lacked spark and creativity.
Their afternoon was summed up by several harmless efforts by lone striker Wayne Rooney.
Will United return to the European elite, though? Not if Louis van Gaal's side continues to produce such dismal football. The record 20-time English champions went an 11th home game in a row without scoring in the first half and then conceded after the break.
Perhaps United should have taken a punt on signing Austin from Queens Park Rangers, given the outlay was only around $6 million.
United fans chanted "Attack! Attack!" at their shot-shy team and will have been even more vexed at seeing Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, who was discarded by Louis van Gaal and sent out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen, named the CONCACAF region's player of the year on Friday.
United remain fifth but is now five points behind Tottenham, who came from behind to win 3-1 at Crystal Palace.
Comments
0 comment