Key talking points as Southampton lose to Manchester United

Cameron Archer's missed penalty was the turning point as United, who had been second-best, grabbed two goals before the break.

Southampton struggled to cause the Red Devils any problems after going behind. Archer's follow-up effort in 33 minutes was their final shot on goal.

Captain Jack Stephens was sent off with 10 minutes remaining for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho to make it 3-0 at the end of a poor second half.

I know it's 1am but a lot to dislike about that first goal. Stephens playing everyone onside but Downes (who seems to pass off to Bednarek last minute) and Ugochukwu lose De Ligt and Zirkzee completely. Had either followed, they'd have been in an area to defend it.#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/gkUh1U0Phd

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) September 15, 2024

Here are the key talking points from Southampton's fourth consecutive Premier League defeat...

A change of system but the same fortunes

Russell Martin opted to abandon the 5-3-2 system in favour of returning to the 4-3-3, which had equally served them well last season.

In doing so, he dropped Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Will Smallbone, Joe Aribo and Adam Armstrong, which he insisted was a difficult decision to make.

Summer signing Cameron Archer came in for his first start but didn't do any better than Armstrong had in the first three games.

He saw a penalty saved on 32 minutes and struggled to impose himself after that - although that was true for every Saints player.

Martin introduced Ryan Fraser, Maxwel Cornet and Ross Stewart just after the hour mark in an attempt to change the game.

The trio have played very limited football since the end of last season and looked like a front three suffering from a lack of match fitness.

Ross Stewart made his Premier League debut against Manchester United (Credit: Stuart Martin)

Dibling is definitely ready for this level

The hype surrounding Tyler Dibling has long started to swirl but you can expect it to reach another level following his performance against the Red Devils.

The 18 year old had the better of international defender Diogo Dalot on a number of occasions on his first-ever Premier League start. 

It was Dibling who had the first effort on goal when he span the Portuguese full-back before stinging Andre Onana's palms.

The England youth ace was eventually replaced due to suffering from cramp. Martin admitted he didn't want to sub him off following his performance.

Tyler Dibling won Southampton's penalty against Manchester United (Image: Stuart Martin) Martin's defensive headache made easier

Russell Martin had a tough decision to make ahead of kick-off as Saints switched from a five-back system to a four-back.

That meant one of his trusted centre-backs had to drop to the bench. Taylor Harwood-Bellis was chosen, unsurprising given he's already been subbed twice.

However, with Stephens now set for a three-game ban, Martin has an easy decision to make against Ipswich Town next Saturday.

Harwood-Bellis, who was at fault for the third goal but made a brilliant goal-stopping block prior, will come back into the side.

Southampton's Jack Stephens was shown a straight red card (Image: Stuart Martin)Ramsdale is Southampton's most important player

Aaron Ramsdale has conceded six goals in his first two Premier League games for Saints, but that is through no fault of his own.

Had it not been for the former England international, Saints could have conceded more than five goals at St Mary's.

The 26 year old produced big saves at 0-0 before denying De Ligt and Rashford their second of the afternoon just before half-time.

Ramsdale finished the game with seven saves, the most of any goalkeeper on Saturday. Getting him from Arsenal could prove to be huge. 

Aaron Ramsdale denied Joshua Zirkzee from point-blank range (Image: Stuart Martin)