MATTHIJS DE LIGT has revealed the touching reason behind his goal celebration as Manchester United won 3-0 at Southampton.
The Dutch defender scored his first United goal after joining this summer and was quick to dedicate it to his wife on her 24th birthday.
The 25-year-old headed in Bruno Fernandes' curling cross just minutes after Cameron Archer's penalty was saved by Andre Onana.
And a beaming De Ligt ran off in celebration and pointed to the stands.
He then gestured the outline of a heart with his fingers before pointing up again.
When quizzed on the unique celebration, De Ligt told TNT: "It's my wife's birthday, so this one is for her!"
De Ligt married his long time girlfriend, Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model and daughter of ex-footballer Keje Molenaar, a week before Euro 2024.
He also praised his teammates, particularly Onana, who collected the rebound after as United had been stuck in their own half until then.
De Ligt added: "The win was important. I think if you get three points from three games, it's not enough.
"So there was some pressure, but I think today we played very well."
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MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana - 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri - 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt - 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife's birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez - 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement - although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot - 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton's tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo - 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen - 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes - 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo - 7
Looked lively throughout - really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee - 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford - 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
SUBS
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United's third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale's high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
The former Ajax centre-half and Golden boy winner joined United for £43million from Bayern Munich in August, alongside full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
On his goal, De Ligt revealed that it was a result of the team's set-piece practice - as United were 15th in the table from goals scored from dead ball situations last season.
He explained: "We've been working on some set pieces, this one was not exactly out of the book, but this was from a good spot."
St Mary's was stunned into silence when Marcus Rashford scored six minutes after De Ligt.
Rashford picked up a ball on the edge of the area and curled a low shot past Aaron Ramsdale, who probably should have done better.
Saints captain Jack Stephens needlessly chopped down Alejandro Garnacho on the touchline and received a red card with three minutes remaining.
The Argentine winger, 20, then smashed home from six yards out at the death.
