TWO FOR ROO ... Robin Van Persie enjoys his double with Robin van Persie
Published: 1 hr ago
WAYNE ROONEY’S clinical double overturned Jay Rodriguez’s opener as Manchester United restored their seven-point title lead.
Michael Carrick's bizarre, lobbed backpass gifted Rodriguez a third-minute goal for a solid-looking Southampton side. Hitman Rodriguez tackled keeper David de Gea and slotted home.
But United were soon rampant - and almost as quickly had the goals to prove it.
GLEE JAY ... Rodriguez revels in his opener
Shinji Kagawa's superb pass teed up Rooney's angled leveller on eight minutes.
Then Kagawa hit the post from Rooney's ball at the height of United's utter dominance.
OUT OF GEA ... Man Utd keeper David de Gea reels after Rodriguez's goal
And the England striker himself tapped home a 27th minute winner. Patrice Evra nodded Robin van Persie's free-kick back across goal for Rooney to walk it in.
The Saints, managed by Mauricio Pochettino for just the second time, impressed enough to give United some nervous second-half moments.
PLEASED TO GREET ROO ... Robin Van Persie salutes scorer Wayne Rooney
And on this showing they have the potential to keep out of the drop zone.
United, meanwhile, have a massive 59 points from 24 games - compared to 52 for neighbours City and 46 for third-placed Chelsea.
HARD AND T-ROO ... Rooney heads Man Utd in front
Few teams have ever surrendered such an advantage.
FULL REPORT AND DREAM TEAM TO FOLLOW. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS AVAILABLE LATER.
TENSE TIMES ... rival bosses Alex Ferguson and Mauricio Pochettino
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4770920/Man-Utd-2-1-Southampton-Match-report-pictures-and-video-highlights.html#ixzz2JVEpTnGm
