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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Manchester United have found two of the missing pieces in their jigsaw

It's been a long time coming - but Manchester United have finally developed one of the attacking threats that they have been missing for too long.

Since the start of the season we have seen different elements to this United side; from their incredible squad depth, to a never-say-die attitude straight from the Sir Alex Ferguson scrapbook.

There are still plenty of reasons to doubt their title-winning credentials this season but during their 9-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday night they showcased another attribute which is steadily improving.

While there is by no means a specific style of play which guarantees success in top-flight football it is no surprise that most top sides are reliant on their full-backs to supplement their team's attack.

In both Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka it is fair to argue United have the two best defensive full-backs in the Premier League, but the duo showed against Southampton what they are capable of producing going forward.

So often last season United's inability to break the lesser sides down was not only down to a lack of creativity in midfield, but the lack of probing runs from full-backs to stretch opposition sides and create overloads out wide.

Choose United's man of the match vs Southampton

Buoyed by Alexandre Jankewitz's early red card United were relentless in the first half as the shackles were released from the full-backs - no longer anchoring the two wingers, but instead supplementing them by preying on the vulnerable Saints defence.

The first goal was everything you'd want from a pair of modern full-backs as Shaw picked out Wan-Bissaka with a whipped ball into the back post. Wan-Bissaka connected cleanly for his first Old Trafford goal.

Shaw was at it again before the half-time whistle, playing a key role in Rashford's strike, while putting another on a plate for Edinson Cavani.

Solskjaer replaced the left-back at half-time in order to keep him fresh for Saturday's visit of Everton, such is his importance to this United side.

It was also clear to see the confidence in Wan-Bissaka after his unlikely opening goal, with the 23-year-old lurking at the near-post as Rashford's low cross into the box drew a third goal when Jan Bednarek haplessly guided the ball into his own net.

United have plenty of room for improvement during the second half of the campaign, but the transformation of their full-backs is a reminder that anything is possible in this unpredictable season.

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