Southampton defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Saturday to throw Louis van Gaal's future at Old Trafford into further doubt.
Ronald Koeman's Saints came away from Manchester with a hard-fought victory thanks to a late goal from debutant Charlie Austin making it two wins in a row at the Theatre of Dreams.
The £4million signing from QPR marked his first game back in the Premier League since last season by stepping onto the hallowed turf in the 79th minute before firing the south coast club to victory.
In the 87th minute, Austin worked his way free in the area to meet James Ward-Prowse's lovely corner with a firm header that was well-placed to beat David De Gea.
The triumph saw Southampton moved up to eighth with a third win on the trot as van Gaal's United remained fifth to a chorus of boos from the supporters.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Manchester United: 0
Southampton: 1 (Charlie Austin 87')
Old Trafford, Manchester - 75,408
TALKING POINTS
- Do Man Utd fans want LVG out? It doesn't look good for the Dutchman. Who will be his replacement this summer or if not, before?
- Southampton on a great run having kept three clean sheets in a row. Are they close enough to challenge for a top four finish or will they settle for the Europa League again?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Man Utd head to Derby County for the FA Cup fourth round on the weekend before hosting Stoke City in the league next week.
For Southampton, they will get about a week off prior to their trip to third-placed Arsenal on February 2.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Delighted to make my debut for @SouthamptonFC today and score the winner
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin9) January 23, 2016Memorable day for the club today.. Enjoy your weekend! pic.twitter.com/iBEbXhVPAl
— James Ward-Prowse (@Prowsey16) January 23, 2016Smalling: "It's a setback after starting 2016 very well. We've got to go again on Friday." https://t.co/NUwTswYFA4pic.twitter.com/MsO0InamvZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 24, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Man Utd's van Gaal on the reaction of the fans:
"I can understand also because I have seen also a poor match.
"I cannot change that feeling. I can only work hard with my players to improve our game.
"You cannot say that they (the fans) are not right."
Southampton boss Koeman on the debut of Austin:
"I mentioned to Charlie when he came on the pitch for a free-kick, go to the box and make a good header.
"That is the reason we wanted to sign Charlie Austin, a great numbers of goals."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
1969 - Southampton have won back-to-back league games at Old Trafford against Manchester United for the first time since 1969. Marching.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 20164 - Ronald Koeman is the fourth manager in PL history to record successive away wins over Man Utd (also Houllier, Mancini, Allardyce). Feat.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 20167:43 - It took Charlie Austin just seven minutes & 43 seconds after coming on as a substitute to score on his debut for Southampton. Impact.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 20160 - None of the other 91 PL/FL clubs have had fewer shots on target at home than Man Utd (35) in the league this season. Stark.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 23, 2016