A 3-0 win at Southampton courtesy of goals from Danny Welbeck, a Nani penalty and substitute Darron Gibson won the day for Manchester United. Southampton's task was made more difficult after 35 minutes when Matt Paterson was red carded after a lunge on United defender Nemanja Vidic.

"Southampton are a very young team so you would expect us to win and we could have done it more comfortably, but 3-0 is a satisfactory score," said Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Danny Welbeck did fine. He has got a good temperament and personality and he enjoys playing. He is still growing, so there are periods when he gets tired, but the potential is definitely there."

United will now take on Tottenham at Old Trafford in the 4th round of the FA Cup.