Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s 10th win in 12 Premier League games did not come without a scare – Manchester United trailed at the interval to Yan Valery’s stunning strike and had to overcome spirited resistance when Southampton fought back to 2-2 late in the second half – but two goals from a rejuvenated Romelu Lukaku kept their revival on the road. Paul Pogba missed the chance to give the scoreline a flattering gloss when he saw a stoppage-time penalty saved, though going down to four goals would have been very hard on a spirited Southampton. “Romelu is a quality striker with a goalscorer’s instincts,” Solskjær said. “He knows what he wants to do and he has the ability to deliver it.” Lukaku nevertheless needed time to warm up. United began as if they intended to have the game wrapped up by half-time and Southampton were indebted to Angus Gunn for three saves in the first six minutes that prevented the home side taking an early lead. The Saints goalkeeper tipped a Lukaku shot round a post, did well to react to a cheeky attempt from distance by Andreas Pereira and then saved at close range from Lukaku again when the striker should really have scored. After surviving that initial onslaught Southampton began to push their opponents back and grow into the game, gradually asserting authority over a fairly callow United midfield. They could have taken the lead after 12 minutes when Jannik Vestergaard climbed unchallenged to meet a James Ward-Prowse corner and headed wastefully over the bar, and might have had a penalty when Chris Smalling got away with a blatant tug on Ryan Bertrand’s shirt. In an effort to break the Southampton press Paul Pogba made a length-of-the-field break up the left, helped by Lukaku on the halfway line, but held on to the ball a fraction too long for his intended target Marcus Rashford to stay onside. Pogba was possibly at fault, however, when Southampton took the lead a few minutes later – at least, there was no one in his position on the left side of midfield when Charlie Austin found Valery in miles of space. Taking advantage of Luke Shaw backing off with his hands behind his back, the Southampton wing-back advanced a couple of paces before unleashing a ferocious shot that beat David de Gea from a good five yards outside the area. The goalkeeper managed to get hands to the ball but could not keep it out, only succeeding in pushing it into his top-left corner. It was the 20-year-old’s first goal in English football and he is unlikely to ever score a better one. When the already ineffective Alexis Sánchez departed injured five minutes into the second half it appeared United might be struggling for an attacking replacement when the full-back Diogo Dalot took his place. The opposite proved to be the case. With his first touch of the afternoon Dalot produced a cross to the far post from which Rashford should have hit the target, and with his second he teed up Pereira for the game’s second goal-of-the-month contender. Andreas Pereira curls home United’s equaliser to make it 1-1. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters The midfielder made the most of the space he was given to beat Gunn with a rising shot from just outside the area for his first Premier League goal, but what was noticeable was that Dalot had produced more in a couple of minutes than the laboured Sánchez had managed in almost an hour. Certainly either the equaliser or the substitution seemed to perk up the home side, for in another five minutes they were in front, Lukaku neatly eluding Jan Bednarek in the area to give himself room for a low shot beyond Gunn. Just for a moment it appeared United might overrun Southampton as the chances began to pile up at the Stretford End, but though they were stretched the visiting defence held out until the next spectacular goal arrived, courtesy of Ward-Prowse. There might have been some doubt over whether Ashley Young actually fouled Stuart Armstrong to give away a free-kick – it was more of a collision that left both players on the floor – but there was no debating the accuracy and power summoned by Ward-Prowse to beat De Gea from outside the area for a second time. Quick Guide Follow Guardian sport on social media Show Twitter: follow us at @guardian_sport Facebook: like our football and sport pages Instagram: our favourite photos, films and stories YouTube: subscribe to our football and sport channels Photograph: Chesnot/Getty Images Europe Was this helpful? Thank you for your feedback. Were points awarded for the quality of goals Southampton might not have left Old Trafford empty handed, though in reality United are always dangerous in the closing minutes of a game and the visitors paid the penalty for a late lapse of concentration when Lukaku was allowed to turn on the edge of the area to take a short pass from Fred. Though Gunn was beaten for a third time, he did manage to keep out Pogba’s penalty, awarded after Armstrong had fouled Rashford. It’s tough at the bottom but the Saints contributed greatly to an entertaining afternoon.<doc-sep>Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Manchester United went above Arsenal into fourth place in the Premier League after beating Southampton 3-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday. Romelu Lukaku scored twice, including netting the winner two minutes from time, while Andreas Pereira also scored for the Red Devils, who took advantage of the Gunners dropping two points in a 1-1 draw against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the day. Southampton had gone in front thanks to a wonder strike from Yan Valery midway through the first half. Pereira equalised just after half-time, and Lukaku gave United the lead after 59 minutes. A stunning free-kick from James Ward-Prowse made it 2-2 with 15 minutes to go, but United went back in front with Lukaku's curling effort on the 88th minute. It should have been even better for United, but Paul Pogba saw a penalty saved by Angus Gunn deep into stoppage time after Stuart Armstrong had fouled Marcus Rashford in the box. Solskjaer Wrong to Waste Rashford on the Wing Video Play Button Videos you might like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had found the formula to get Rashford back on track, simply by playing him through the middle. Yet it's only taken a few goals from Lukaku for United's caretaker boss to fall into the trap of predecessor Jose Mourinho, namely wasting Rashford on the wing. Shaun Botterill/Getty Images The England international cut a frustrated figure throughout the opening 45 minutes against a well-organised Saints team. He tried to rotate fluidly with Lukaku and Sanchez, but the timing of his runs was just a little off, while the movement wasn't always synchronised precisely along United's front three. Rashford also played with the handbrake on because of the extra defensive responsibilities inherent in a wide role. The increased workload took away the sudden pace and unerring instincts he's been showcasing when played in his natural position as a centre-forward. If there was one moment that vividly illustrated how much Rashford wanted to be in more familiar territory, it came when he got in the way of the man who had taken his preferred spot: Things hardly improved after the break, even though Rashford won the late spot-kick Pogba wasted. Rashford is a different player when he starts through the middle. Solskjaer doesn't need to make things so complicated; just play the 21-year-old where he's at his best. United's Potent Attack Won't Be Enough to Overcome Defensive Woes in Top-4 Hunt United should count their blessings their attack is one of the most potent in the division. Without it, Solskjaer's men would have no chance of reaching the top four thanks to a jittery defence still too generous in allowing chances. Even a team as goal-shy as the Saints, who had only scored 30 top-flight goals before today, found opportunities easy to come by. Had referee Stuart Atwell been in better positions and been braver with his decisions, Southampton would have been awarded two penalties in the first half. The lucky escapes masked the nerves and indecisiveness at the back for the hosts. Nerves often spread, and even United's most dependable denier of goals fell victim: Panic was still obvious even after United had fought back to take the lead at 2-1. It was no surprise when Southampton found the net again, courtesy of Ward-Prowse. In terms of depth and quality in the final third, United's squad is as good as any in Europe. Yet if the Red Devils miss out on a place in next season's Champions League, Solskjaerand Co. won't need to look beyond a weak defence for the reason why. What's Next? United are in action in the Champions League on Wednesday when Solskjaer's men travel to the French capital to face Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds trail 2-0 on aggregate ahead of the second leg in the last 16. Meanwhile, Southampton will host Spurs on Saturday, March 9.<doc-sep>Romelu Lukaku scored a terrific late winner as Manchester United beat Southampton 3-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon to move into the top four in the Premier League. Two stunning goals seemed like they had earned Southampton a deserved draw, but Lukaku’s bending right-footed shot from the edge of the box earned United a win that moves them into fourth and within three points of Tottenham Hotspur. Yan Valery opened the scoring for Southampton with a cracking strike, but two goals in five minutes just after half-time put Manchester United ahead, with Andreas Pereira and Lukaku finding the net. Europa League Parker: Solskjaer's preparation for Europa League final was wrong YESTERDAY AT 12:04 James Ward-Prowse’s spectacular free-kick pulled the scores level, but Lukaku had other ideas. Paul Pogba could have added gloss to the scoreline with a penalty in stoppage time, only to be denied by the feet of Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn. James Ward-Prowse of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton and Nathan Redmond of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on Ma Image credit: Getty Images TALKING POINT - Lukaku to the rescue, as spirited United win again After a frustrating and fruitless first-half in which the Belgian squandered a number of opportunities, Lukaku produced the goods after the restart, scoring his eighth and ninth career goals against the Saints. And how pivotal could his match-winning strike prove to be come May? Forget about 'Fergie Time'; United netted the winner in 'Ole Time'. With that stirring late comeback against Burnley still in fresh in the mind, the Norwegian produced the goods again, as United extended their unbeaten league run to 12 games and move into the top four. An amazing position really, considering the Red Devils were 11 points adrift of the Champions League spot back in December. Just give him the job now. MAN OF THE MATCH - Romelu Lukaku (Man United) The match changed on 51 minutes when Alexis Sanchez went off injured, to be replaced by Diogo Dalot. Within 10 minutes, the Portuguese had helped to turn the game on its head, making more of an impact than Alexis had in the entire contest. And it was Lukaku who benefited most from the youngster's pace and energy, scoring two instinctive goals. If only he had taken the last-minute penalty instead of Pogba, he may have had his hat-trick. Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Image credit: Getty Images PLAYER RATINGS Manchester United: De Gea 5, Shaw 6, Lindelof 6, Smalling 6, Young 6, Pogba 5, Pereira 7, McTominay 6, Alexis 6, Lukaku 8, Rashford 7. Subs: Fred N/A, Dalot 8, Chong N/A. Southampton: Gunn 8, Yoshida 6, Vestergaard 7, Bednarek 6, Valery 7, Bertrand 6, Romeu 6, Hojbjerg 6, Ward-Prowse 7, Redmond 7, Austin 6. Subs: Gallagher N/A, Armstrong 5. KEY MOMENTS 26' - GOAL! Manchester United 0-1 Southampton: VALERY SCORES! The Saints are ahead! And what a strike it is. Twenty-five yards out, Valery catches a shot clean as you like and De Gea gets a touch to it but can't keep it out! 54' - GOAL! Manchester United 1-1 Southampton: You don't save those! Oh my, you won't see many better goals this season! Dalot releases Pereira. The midfielder curls one from 25 yards and he bends it all the way into the top corner. Gunn doesn't get anywhere near it! 59' - GOAL! Manchester United 2-1 Southampton: United have turned this game on its head! Lukaku with the goal, his third in just two games! The ball comes to Pereira just outside the box, he looks like he was fouled but he stays on his field to thread it through for the Belgian. He finds an angle and his right-footed shot nestles into the bottom corner. 75' - GOAL! Manchester United 2-2 Southampton: Oh my, it's another quality strike! Ward-Prowse curls the ball up and wall over the wall, the ball carries so much pace on it and De Gea is left stranded. 89' - GOAL! Manchester United 3-2 Southampton: LUKAKU SCORES! The Belgian pounces on a loose ball on the edge of the box and his finish is deadly! Late drama at Old Trafford, and surely now United have won the game! 90'+4 - GUNN SAVES THE PENALTY! Pogba goes down the middle and the Southampton goalkeeper saves with his trailing leg! What if Lukaku, on a hat-trick, had taken it? ! Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts after his penalty is saved during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Image credit: Getty Images KEY STATS Romelu Lukaku has been involved in 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances against Southampton (9 goals, 2 assists). Against no side has Lukaku scored more Premier League goals than he has versus Southampton (9 - level with West Ham). James Ward-Prowse has scored five Premier League goals this season, more than in any other campaign in the competition. Europa League 'Absolutely impeccable' - Emery lauds Villarreal for making history YESTERDAY AT 07:46<doc-sep>PLAYER RATINGS: Scores as high as NINE for Manchester United after sensational 3-2 comeback against Southampton at Old Trafford PLAYER RATINGS: Scores as high as NINE for Manchester United after sensational 3-2 comeback against Southampton at Old Trafford by Ali Akbar Manchester United have found their new right winger – Diogo Dalot by Ali Akbar Romelu Lukaku has just scored back-to-back braces for Manchester United in the Premier League, cementing his place as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s number nine of choice. When Romelu Lukaku tore his shirt off after scoring the winner in Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Southampton on Saturday, he was sending a very clear message to the media: “I’m good enough to be playing for this club.” Indeed, much has been said about Lukaku’s weight gain upon returning from the World Cup last year as well as his poor touch more generally. However, in celebrating that late winner at Old Trafford, the Belgian was letting his haters know that that kind of talk doesn’t phase him. Lukaku was phenomenal against the Saints. His first goal was a neat finish into the bottom right corner from inside the box with his weak foot to give United a 2-1 lead. When Southampton managed to equalise with a terrific free-kick from James Ward-Prowse into the top left corner, the 25-year-old looked determined to get on the scoresheet once more to ensure United left Old Trafford with all three points. And he did it in style: that powerful shot from outside the box this time around but still with his weaker right foot is arguably the greatest goal he has scored in a United shirt. That makes it two Premier League braces in a row for Lukaku, as he also put two crucial goals past Crystal Place at Selhurst Park last gameweek. His recent performances have shown that he is easily the best natural finisher at the club, and deserves to be starting up top for the crucial games to come against Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. So sorry, Marcus Rashford, but you may have to play on the wings for a little while longer because, right now, Lukaku is looking like a truly £75m striker.<doc-sep>
Manchester United moved back into the Premier League's top four after Romelu Lukaku's late winner eventually saw off Southampton. The visitors had lost just twice at Old Trafford since their return to the top flight in 2012 and it looked for a long time as if they would extend that run until Lukaku scored the winner in the 88th minute. The Belgian striker had scored earlier to put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side 2-1 up after Andreas Pereira's curling effort from outside the box cancelled out Yan Valery's stunning opener for Southampton. In a game that could have been its own goal of the season competition, James Ward-Prowse scored a free kick from 25 yards to make it 2-2 before Lukaku sealed it. Even then, there was time for Paul Pogba to see a stoppage-time penalty saved by Angus Gunn. Positives Pereira was exceptional. He was substituted after an hour when he last started a league game, vs. Burnley in January, but if that was a low point of his time at Old Trafford, this was the highlight. His goal to equalise oozed technique and his run to set up Lukaku's first was all about skill and balance. It was Pereira's best performance in a United shirt and he has surely played his way into the team to face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Negatives The injury list is growing. Already without Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia, Solskjaer saw Alexis Sanchez hobble off in the second half. He will also be without the suspended Pogba against PSG and could be forced to take a threadbare squad to Paris. Manager rating out of 10 6 -- Solskjaer did not have many options with his team selection, but bringing in Pereira to replace Fred proved to be a good decision when the 23-year-old's second-half performance inspired United's fightback. Andreas Pereira scored one and made another to inspire Manchester United's comeback win. Clive Mason/Getty Images Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating.) GK, David De Gea, 5 -- On his 350th appearance for United, he might feel be could have done better with Valery's strike after getting both hands on it. DF, Ashley Young, 6 -- Got away with pulling Ryan Bertrand's shirt dangerously close to his own penalty area and gave away the free kick from which Ward-Prowse scored. DF, Luke Shaw, 6 -- Started the game despite being a booking away from a suspension. His best moment was a brave diving header under his own crossbar as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg steamed in. DF, Victor Lindelof, 6 -- Won his fair share in the air but was not in a position to do anything about two Southampton goals that were scored from long distance. DF, Chris Smalling, 6 -- Survived a penalty appeal when Bertrand got the wrong side and went down under pressure. Almost equalised with a header from Young's corner when the score was 1-0.