EPL: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United

Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring

Romelu Lukaku's goal after 19 minutes was enough to see Manchester United home at St Mary's against a determined but toothless Saints.

The Red Devils were in control for much of the first half without looking like breaking clear, but Southampton rallied in the second period and forced United into some desperate late defending, while Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in stoppage time by referee Craig Pawson.

Still, the Man United boss will have been pleased to see his side grind out another win, enough to see them keeping pace with Manchester City at the top of the table. 

United started well but it was a game of few chances and Lukaku made the most of his. 

Ashley Young's cross from the left wing saw the big Belgian outmuscling Wesley Hoedt to get his header on target. Fraser Forster produced a smart save down low but he could only divert the ball back into the path of Lukaku, who crashed home from close range.

Nathan Redmond drew a smart save out of David de Gea ten minutes after half-time as Saints tried to get back on terms, while at the other end, Lukaku should have doubled his tally having been played in by Henrikh Mkhitaryan but he saw his effort cannon away off Forster's feet.

Oriel Romeu had a header cleared off the goal line by Marouane Fellaini as Saints inched closer but sub Ander Herrera could have closed things out when he blazed over inside the box.

Mourinho was guilty of encroaching on the field in stoppage time as Southampton lumped balls into the United area, the visiting manager duly sent from the dugout by Pawson after intervention from the fourth official but his side held on for the win.