Koeman makes telling comparison between Long and Van Persie

STATISTICS OFTEN FAIL to tell the full story of a game, but in this instance, they provided a fairly telling insight into how below par Man United were against Southampton in the Monday evening kick-off.

Louis van Gaal admitted afterwards that his side were lucky to escape St Marys with a victory, and two goals from three attempts — the lowest tally United have registered since Opta began compiling stats — suggests as much.

Yet the pivotal difference between the teams was ultimately illustrated by their contrasting fortunes in front of goal. Robin van Persie, a virtual bystander for a considerable portion of the game, came good when it mattered most, as he claimed a match-winning brace.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman, after the game, highlighted RVP’s efficiency in these moments, comparing Irish striker Shane Long — who missed two decent chances himself — unfavourably with the Dutch star.

It may have been a somewhat harsh assessment of Long’s performance, but it is these small margins that invariably decide games at the top level.

And Long was not the only Irish player who had a bad day at the office, as Louis van Gaal admitted afterwards that he took Paddy McNair off before half-time “for his own good,” following a shaky display by the rookie defender.

Wanyama impresses even in defeat

Southampton have now lost all five of their games against teams in last year’s top seven this season, but there were still some positives to take from the game.

If an alien who had just landed on Earth was asked to identify the £27.5million midfielder on display, he would be far more likely to guess Victor Wanyama than Marouane Fellaini.

As Fellaini struggled, giving the ball away for the Saints’ only goal, the Kenyan international excelled.

While United were clearly superior up front and even in defence ultimately, the Saints were the unequivocal winners of the midfield battle.

And the hosts’ success was due in so small part to the efforts of ex-Celtic star Wanyama, who made several well-judged tackles and timely interceptions, generally reading the play exceptionally well in the process, and standing out in a game that featured several top-class talents.

Can United ‘do a Liverpool’?

PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

(Manchester United’s Paddy McNair is substituted off during the Barclays Premier League match at St Marys)

On account of all the criticism of United’s performance tonight, it can be easily forgotten that they are now in third place having won their fifth match on the trot.

Yet even manager Louis van Gaal played down suggestions that they would gain considerable confidence and momentum from the display.

While they were far from exceptional going forward, defence was surely even more of a concern.

They were hampered by yet another injury, as Chris Smalling departed the action early on, forcing Johnny Evans — who has himself only just recovered from a prolonged spell on the sidelines – to prematurely return at the back.

Moreover, 19-year-old Paddy McNair’s nervousness was so conspicuous that — after one mistake too many — Van Gaal elected to harshly haul him off before the half-time whistle had sounded.

United now sit eight points behind Chelsea, and few people consider them serious contenders in the title race, despite their excellent recent form, largely because of this inept backline.

But then again, a vulnerable, patched-together defence does not necessarily prevent a team launching a credible challenge for the league, as Liverpool showed last season.

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