Erik ten Hag explained that Manchester United have learnt their lesson from their 4-0 defeat to Brentford following back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Southampton.
The Dutch manager was impressed with his team's reaction to that embarrassing loss. United collected their first away victory since February.
Bruno Fernandes' strike was the difference between the two sides at St Mary's, however, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was not impressed that a potential handball by Scott McTominay was not given by the officials.
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When asked by journalists after the match about the victory, Ten Hag explained that whilst this should become the norm, he is also happy with the positive signs that he is seeing in his team.
"It has to be the standard for Manchester United. It has to be normal," he began.
"But also you celebrate every win because you have to fight for it. We learnt from our lesson in Brentford.
“[My players] now understand that they have to act as a team, unified. That they have to give 100 per cent – 99 per cent is not enough.
"They have to fight for every ball and if you do that then you have the good base to win games.”
That loss would've been a huge reality check for Ten Hag and his squad. Since then, we have seen a highly energised team.
Despite positive signs, there is also a lot to work on and United needed to stay sharp in defence in the closing stages of the game on Saturday afternoon.
"There is room for improvement but there was also some really good football," Ten Hag explained.
"The last half an hour was a survival and there I think we can do better.
"There was not always pressure on the ball but [the defenders] stayed compact and were straight in the duels. I was comfortable they would deal with it."
Ten Hag was then quizzed on the only goal of the game from United's no.8. Despite complimenting the technique from Fernandes, the manager made sure to highlight the kind of football United were playing at that point in the game.
"The finish [from Bruno Fernandes] was magnificent but the part before, it was a team goal,
"We built it up from the back and there were some more moments straight after half time where it was well played from the team. We have to improve in possession,
"The win against Liverpool gave us a lot of belief because we knew we could compete against one of the best teams in the world,
"Still at the start of the season it is really tough and hard work so everyone in the squad needs to be conscious of that."
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Southampton, Brentford, Premier League, Football
Cain Smith