Amad Diallo scored a 12-minute hat-trick as Manchester United came from behind to record a 3-1 victory over Southampton in Thursday night's Premier League contest at Old Trafford.
An own goal from Manuel Ugarte saw Southampton lead until the 82nd minute, when Amad netted his first, before the forward registered twice more in the latter stages to secure a vital three points for the Red Devils.
The result has moved the 20-time English champions into 12th spot in the Premier League table, now on 26 points from 21 matches, while Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the division on six points.
Southampton deservedly entered the half-time break with the lead, and it came courtesy of an own goal from Ugarte, with a corner hitting the back of the Uruguay international off a flick from Tyler Dibling before ending up in Andre Onana's goal.
Onana had to make a number of excellent saves in the first half to prevent it from being worse at the interval, with the Saints quite comfortably the better team in a dreadful opening 45 minutes for Ruben Amorim's team.
Man United levelled the scores in the 82nd minute, with Amad firing the ball into the bottom corner after it had broken back to the Ivory Coast international inside the penalty box.
Amad then scored twice more late on to spare Man United's blushes, with the Red Devils triumphing in the Premier League for the first time since the Manchester derby in the middle of December.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Man United recently signed Amad to a new contract, and during a largely negative period for the club, that is a huge positive.
The 22-year-old has developed into the team's outstanding player, and he is now on nine goals and seven assists for the campaign courtesy of his late treble against the Saints at Old Trafford.
Southampton should have been out of sight at the interval, with Man United desperately poor in the first period, and in truth, there was not much of an improvement in the second 45 minutes.
It did appear that the Saints would be securing a huge victory, but Amad had other ideas, and Old Trafford truly has a new hero.
For Amorim, though, it was a case of one step forward and three back following the recent performances against Liverpool and Arsenal, and the Red Devils needed a stunning display from their star man to claim a vital three points on Thursday night.
MAN UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON HIGHLIGHTS
Manuel Ugarte own goal vs. Manchester United (42nd min, Man United 0-1 Southampton)
Southampton take a deserved lead in the latter stages of the first period, as a corner is flicked on by Dibling before hitting Ugarte and dropping into the back of the net; the Saints have been excellent in the first half at Old Trafford.
A huge team talk is coming up for Amorim now.
Amad Diallo goal vs. Southampton (82nd min, Man United 1-1 Southampton)
Man United level the scores in the 82nd minute, as Amad smashes the ball into the bottom corner after being given a huge slice of luck inside the penalty box, with the ball breaking back to the Ivorian.
Is there time for a third goal in this contest?
Amad Diallo goal vs. Southampton (90th min, Man United 2-1 Southampton)
Incredible scenes here, as Amad sends Man United ahead in the 90th minute; Christian Eriksen delivers a wonderful pass into the forward, who finishes into the back of the net to spark jubilant scenes inside the stadium.
Amad Diallo goal vs. Southampton (90th min+4, Man United 3-1 Southampton)
Hat-trick hero! Amad has his third following a horror mistake from Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who loses control inside his own box, and with Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale out of position, Amad can slide the ball into the back of an empty net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - AMAD DIALLO
Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana is certainly worth a mention, and he had been the pick in this category until the final stages, when the man-of-the-match award could only be given to one player.
Amad was Man United's best player in a very disappointing first half, and he came to the forefront when the Red Devils needed him most, scoring three times in the space of 12 minutes to win it for the hosts.
The 22-year-old also created three chances, had 89 touches, boasted four successful take-ons and managed eight ball recoveries during an outstanding performance against Southampton.
MAN UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Man United 59%-41% Southampton
Shots: Man United 23-13 Southampton
Shots on target: Man United 9-5 Southampton
Corners: Man United 4-4 Southampton
Fouls: Man United 7-10 Southampton
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Both teams will continue their respective Premier League campaigns on Sunday, with Man United welcoming Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford, while Southampton will make the trip to high-flying Nottingham Forest.
Man United will be aiming to make it successive wins in the Premier League for the first time this season, and Amorim will certainly be demanding an improved performance from his side this weekend.
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