Manchester United got their title challenge back on spectacular track as Alex Jankewitz was sent off after just 82 seconds at Old Trafford.
Incredibly, Jankewitz was making his full Premier League debut when his violent lunge on Scott McTominay gave Mike Dean no option but to dismiss the Southampton teenager.
And United took stunning advantage as strikes from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Scott McTominay, Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes, two from Anthony Martial and an own goal from Jan Bednarek – who was also sent off late on – gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side a remarkable win that took them level on points with top-of-the-table Manchester City.
The demolition of the sorry Saints equalled United’s record Premier League win and was the second time Southampton have been beaten 9-0 in two seasons.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
And while United were helped by the Jankewitz aberration, Solskjaer was delighted with the goal feast.
He said: “We’ve been waiting for them to show their magic and tonight was the night they could go and enjoy. We haven’t had too many when you can just enjoy the football.
“They can get lots of confidence from a performance like this and the result.”
Solskjaer was relieved McTominay escaped serious injury, adding: “You don’t see many of those tackles anymore so I’m glad Scott is well.”
And Rashford, who went past Eric Cantona in United’s scoring charts, had sympathy for Jankewitz, saying: “It’s a challenge where he’s quite unlucky.
“I don’t think he’s meant it in a nasty way but he’s a little bit late and Scotty’s felt it. I think it is a red card but it’s unfortunate for the young player.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl was less sympathetic, saying: “It was a stupid foul from the young lad and it kills everything.”
But after suffering the same margin of defeat at home to Leicester less than 16 months ago, Hasenhuttl is hoping for the same positive response.
He said: “What can I say? It is horrible but we stood up after the first 9-0 and we have to do that again.
“I said at the time we do not need it again but when we have it again, you have to take it.”
