Man United into EPL's top 4 after beating Southampton 3-2
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku continued his rich vein of form by scoring two goals, including a late winner, to give his side a comeback 3-2 home win over Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday. It took the Belgian's tally to four goals in two games after he netted a brace in Wednesday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, with playmaker Andreas Pereira grabbing the other for the hosts in a rip-roaring clash at Old Trafford.
- Sports
- AP
- Published Date: 12:00 | 02 March 2019
- Modified Date: 09:12 | 02 March 2019
Romelu Lukaku scored an 88th-minute goal to earn Manchester United a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton and a place in the top four of the Premier League on Saturday.
When interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December, United was in sixth spot, 11 points off the Champions League qualification positions.
This win over Southampton made it 10 victories in 12 league matches under Solskjaer and lifted United above Arsenal — and to within three points of third-place Tottenham.
Three days after scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Lukaku again proved the difference for United with another double.
Yan Valery rocked Old Trafford with a long-range opener for Southampton in the 26th, only for Andreas Pereira to make it 1-1 with a similarly impressive effort from distance in the 53rd.
Lukaku put United ahead for the first time by steering home a finish in the 59th but James Ward-Prowse bent home a free kick to bring Southampton level with 15 minutes left.
Lukaku had the final say when he made space for himself after collecting Fred's pass and fired home a low right-footed shot in front of the Stretford End.
There was still time for United's Paul Pogba to have a penalty saved by Angus Gunn in injury time after Marcus Rashford was fouled.
Already without Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial because of injury, United lost Alexis Sanchez to a right knee injury in the second half.
"It looks like his ligaments but hopefully he won't be out too long," said Solskjaer, whose team plays Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of its Champions League last-16 matchup.
PSG leads 2-0 from the first leg.