Manchester United staged a remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford, defeating Southampton 3-1 thanks to a stunning late hat-trick from Amad Diallo. The victory spared United from what seemed destined to be an embarrassing home defeat in front of their restless fans.

United appeared set for a fourth consecutive top-flight home loss, a feat not seen since 1930. Struggling to break down a Southampton side that had won just once all season and were still reeling from a 5-0 loss to Brentford, the Red Devils laboured through much of the match.

However, Diallo, recently committed to a new five-and-a-half-year contract, changed the narrative in breathtaking fashion. Initially deployed as a wing-back, the Ivorian was moved into an attacking role late in the game, where he delivered a performance for the ages.

With nine minutes remaining, Diallo pounced on a fortunate deflection inside the penalty area, calmly slotting the rebound past Aaron Ramsdale to bring United level. Just one minute into stoppage time, he showcased his clinical finishing again, latching onto a chipped pass from Christian Eriksen and beating Ramsdale with a composed first-time strike.

The crowning moment came moments later when Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis failed to control a pass from Ramsdale. Diallo intercepted the ball, rounded the stranded goalkeeper, and passed it into an empty net, completing his first senior hat-trick to thunderous applause.

“He did a great job,” head coach Ruben Amorim said after the match. “But he has a lot to improve. He has the same responsibility as every player who plays for Manchester United. He’s in a great moment and having a very good season.”

Southampton’s valiant efforts were undone despite their promising play throughout the game. Their only goal came from an own goal by Manuel Ugarte during a scramble from a corner. For much of the match, they appeared poised to punish a United side that struggled to replicate their recent impressive performances against Liverpool and Arsenal.

The victory shows Diallo’s growing importance under Amorim, who has overseen a noticeable improvement in the 21-year-old’s development. Diallo walked off the pitch with the match ball in hand, receiving a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful.

The win provides United with a morale boost in their pursuit of consistency, while Southampton are left to rue missed opportunities in a match they arguably deserved more from.