Never mind about the remarkable transformation of Big Joe from powderpuff centre-forward to midfield colossus. The stardust that has been sprinkled over Miggy Almiron has created Superman.
Ringmaster Eddie Howe has turned water into wine with so many mediocre performers as Newcastle have terrified the whole of the Premier League but none can match what Magical Miggy has become. When he first walked among us Almiron failed to score in 26 consecutive games which is unbelievable for an attacker. It took him 2,190 minutes and 47 shots before he found the net.
Fast forward to today and Smiler stands proudly at the pinnacle of United's success, top scorer with eight goals from 14 matches having hit a purple patch with seven in seven. It was Almiron who registered United's crucial opener down on the south coast to spark off another goal glut which sank Southampton without trace.
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The greatest long distance runner since Mo Farah was in his pomp galloped relentlessly forward beating two bemused defenders before sweeping his shot elegantly past Gavin Bazuno. That was the signal for a second-half demolition of Saints' sinners. Chris Wood and Joe Willock were inspired to score their first PL goals of the season and fan favourite Bruno Guimaraes signed off an afternoon of total satisfaction with a flourish.
United have now totted up 12 different goalscorers in the Premier League, more than any other side. Geordies stripped to the waist despite the elements were singing in the rain. Goalscorers hog the headlines of course but this was a team effort as normal. My, United are truly united.
While we are talking of rank and file players becoming centre stage star performers let us not forget to include the name of local boy Sean Longstaff. He has become crucial to United in midfield with his relentless endeavour, his willingness to cover every blade of grass allowing Bruno and Willock to get on their bikes and finish the way they did.
Then there is Kieran Trippier, the true captain even if Jamaal Lascelles officially still owns the armband. Trippier won the ball at the start of the Almiron goal and later provided a rapier long range pass for Willock to go on and notch United's third. What we have here is a team doing football's two critical jobs brilliantly.
They possess the meanest defence in the top division having let in only 11 goals in 14 matches while table topping Arsenal have conceded the same total but in only 13 fixtures. At the other end United are scoring for fun. Since the beginning of October they have notched four against Fulham, Aston Villa, and Southampton and five against Brentford.
Do you recognise this squad from just over a year ago? Not likely yet Schar, Longstaff, Willock, Almiron, Wilson, Murphy, Maxi, Shelvey and Manquillo who all made the pitch at St Mary's were part of those awful results. It beggars belief, it really does.
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