Ruthless United ready for testing fixture list

The result extended Jose Mourinho's side’s unbeaten run to eight matches, delivering their fifth clean sheet in just six Premier League games in the process and with United set to make the testing trip to Moscow to face CSKA in the Champions League on Wednesday they look to be well-prepared for the tests that lie ahead.

The win over Southampton was a game that saw Mourinho praise teen sensation Marcus Rashford not for his flair and attacking prowess, but for his defensive contribution and whilst Ashley Young may have claimed that it "was not a United performance", Mourinho was by no means ashamed of his side's showing, instead seeming to revel in it.

The Portuguese is well aware that whilst every team would rather play fluid, flowing football, that particular style does not often win titles and at the end of a day, you win the same amount of points for a cagey 1-0 at St Mary's as you do for thumping Crystal Palace 5-0 for example.

After several years of misplaced hope and false starts, United seem to be back with a bang this season. You name it, their squad has it: flair, pace, power, nous, experience, exuberance, youth, know-how, creativity, discipline, the list goes on.

The penchant that Mourinho's side have developed for late goals harks back to the glory days under the great Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, titles aren't decided in September and if Mourinho's side are still looking strong following a tough October/November period that sees them face Liverpool, Benfica twice, Tottenham and Chelsea in quick succession then maybe, just maybe it will be time for United fans to get excited once again.