Manchester United bolstered their defence in the summer by bringing in Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, and this performance was just what the player and the Red Devils will have wanted to see.

During the international break he was taken off at half-time while playing for the Netherlands against Germany in the Nations League.

Initially, his struggles continued into this game as he found it difficult to cope with Southampton‘s dynamic forward line.

But his headed goal to give Manchester United the lead at Southampton appeared to do him the world of good as he became more assured in defence as the game wore on.

Finishing with a clean sheet provides a decent platform for both him and Manchester United to build on as they look to put a mixed start to the season behind them.