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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Southampton 2-3 Man Utd: Five talking points as Edinson Cavani caps stunning comeback

Edinson Cavani's second-half brace ensured Manchester United came from 2-0 down to win at Southampton.

The Uruguayan was introduced at half-time and proved to be the match winner.

James Ward-Prowse was a star in the first-half as he played a pivotal role in putting the Saints two goals up at the break.

But United found their mojo in the second 45 with Bruno Fernandes scoring their first before Cavani nodded home the equaliser.

The Saints scored their goals through Jan Bednarek and the classy Ward-Prowse whose ability from set pieces coming to the fore.

But in stoppage time the visitors completed the comeback as Cavani headed home at the near post to seal a dramatic win.

Here are five talking points from an entertaining clash on the south coast.

Edinson Cavani was the match winner (Pool via REUTERS)

1. The Man Utd way

They don't make it easy for themselves do they.

At half-time Roy Keane claimed you never know what you'll get from this United side.

But one hallmark of any United side is a never say die attitude that has defined them for decades.

Those qualities were on display at Southampton as they produced a stunning comeback that saw Edinson Cavani net the winner in added time.

Despite being behind United had looked the better team for much of the contest so the three points was certainly deserved.

If they could add some consistency to their obvious quality and character then maybe we could be on to something.

That though appears to still be a way off, but they remain a side you can never count out.

Bruno Fernandes began the recovery mission (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

2. Fernandes the fighter

It was that man once again, Fernandes, whose goal hauled United back into the contest.

So often he is the man the Red Devils looks to for inspiration and again he answered.

The Portuguese maestro, who notched two in midweek, will have been disappointed to miss a golden opportunity in the first-half when he failed to turn home after McCarthy had saved from Mason Greenwood.

But just before the hour it was Fernandes who was found by Cavani in the 18 yard box.

He took once touch, steadied himself and they slotted home.

It gave United a new lease of life and begun their fightback.

James Ward-Prowse showed his class with a wonderful free-kick strike (Southampton FC via Getty Images)

3. Cavani proving his worth

The Uruguayan certainly wasn't helped by the recent Old Trafford narrative when he arrived.

A greater player who is now in the latter end of his career and seeking one final big move.

How many times have we seen that story play out in Manchester with a forgettable ending.

But Cavani, who opted to take the No 7 shirt, is showing that plenty of class still remains.

Clearly he isn't bothered about the pressure as his two goals won United the game at Southampton.

Both headers, each showing movement that you just can't teach. A class act.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw his side complete a remarkable comeback (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

4. Henderson's Man Utd entrance

There has been a clamour for Dean Henderson to replace David de Gea in the United goal for some time.

The English shotstopper finally made his long awaited first Premier League outing for the club he has been at for a decade.

His entrance perhaps not made in the manner he would've liked however.

De Gea picked up a knee injury attempting to save Ward-Prowse's free-kick and had to be taken off at the interval.

The first time Henderson appeared in the league for United many may have seen it as a changing of the guard.

It has not turned out that way though and the young goalkeeper's stay will likely be dictated by De Gea's fitness.

Dean Henderson was introduced at half-time (PA)

5. Lucky eight

For all United's struggles this term they had won each of their three Premier League away games and they made that four on Sunday.

In fact, Solskjaer had seen his side win on the road for the last seven straight games.

Their draw at Tottenham back in June the last time they failed to pick up three points from an away game.

Brighton, Newcastle and Everton have all been seen off this term and Southampton are now on that list.

United's counter-attacking style suits away days where they can soak up that bit more pressure and utilise their attacking pace.

On Sunday they showed their quality for large periods and showed their character as they came from behind to earn all three points.

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