Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s spot-kick on the half-hour and that proved pivotal to the story of the match, as the Reds responded and ended the opening period in fine style.
Matthijs de Ligt headed home his maiden goal for United and Marcus Rashford scored for the first time since March, much to the pleasure of our travelling support.
Aaron Ramsdale prevented us from extending our lead on numerous occasions, before Saints had captain Jack Stephens sent off for a high tackle on Alejandro Garnacho.
All in all, it was a comfortable afternoon on the south coast, with Garnacho putting the seal on proceedings in stoppage time.