SOUTHAMPTON - Robin van Persie scored a goal in each half as Manchester United edged Southampton to move up to third in the Premier League.
Manchester United took the lead against the run of play when Van Persie seized on a misjudged back pass by Jose Fonte and slotted under the advancing Fraser Forster.
United failed to build on their lead and Southampton levelled courtesy of Graziano Pelle, who ended his seven-game drought with the equaliser, lashing the ball into the roof of the net from close range after Dusan Tadic's shot deflected into the Italian's path.
Louis van Gaal lost Chris Smalling to injury in the first half and withdrew defender Paddy McNair before the break, with the youngster enduring a torrid time against the dominant Southampton forwards.
Shane Long blazed over a golden chance just before the break and sent a free header straight at David de Gea just after as the Irishman was guilty of not giving Saints a lead that wouldn't have been undeserved.
United continued to labour as Saints enjoyed the better of the second half. But they failed to capitalise on their dominance and were punished with 20 minutes to go when Wayne Rooney's deep free-kick wasn't dealt with by Forster and found the unmarked Van Persie, who tapped in at the far post.
De Gea made a key save from Pelle as United held on for a sixth straight win, extending their unbeaten run to ten games and closing the gap on second-placed City to five points.