Ronald Koeman believes Southampton’s win at Manchester United shows their ambitions in the Premier League as Dusan Tadic’s second-half strike put his side up to third in the table.
Southampton enjoyed their first Premier League win at Old Trafford after a resolute defensive performance in a game of few chances, and Koeman believes it was payback for the 2-1 home defeat in December, a game in which United themselves struggled.
Koeman said: “[The win] says a lot about our ambitions and the position we are in the table. Again we showed we can beat the big ones, we had that feeling against Chelsea and more against Arsenal.
“The belief was in the team today, that was key for three points.
“After the goal they played the long ball with Fellaini, and Mata had a few good chances, but in that time we had the luck we missed in the first game at home.
“So it’s a draw, United were the lucky team then but maybe us today.”
Koeman brought Tadic on after 63 minutes, but the Serb nearly did not enter the field after losing his shirt and shin pads, something the Saints boss was unhappy about.
“He scores the winner, fantastic, but the rest I don’t like,” said the Dutchman.
Speaking after the game, match-winner Tadic said: “First half I put my shirt and shin pads here, second half when I want to come in the shirt and shin pads were not there.
“It’s a beautiful day. We are really happy.”