Southampton ace Ryan Manning was linked with a move to Leeds United in the summer but on Saturday, he helped the Saints get one over the Daniel Farke’s side – and he gave his verdict after the 3-1 victory.
Manning, 27, was a free agent in the summer. It comes after winning the Player of the Season award at Russell Martin’s Swansea side last season, from left-back. But he chose not to extend his Swansea deal.
The Ireland man rejoined Martin on the south coast in the summer on a free, and has impressed so far this season. Phil Hay was one of a number of reporters to say Leeds wanted Manning in the summer.
The Saints were leading 3-0 at the break. Adam Armstrong got two, opening the scoring in two minutes. A second came from Will Smallbone, a third from Armstrong. Manning gave his verdict on his side’s win.
“It was always going to be a tough test, but the perfect fixture for us,” Manning told Hampshire Live. “Good team coming to us early, kick-off, on Sky, perfect platform for us to go on, put in a performance.
“The fast start was massive. Something we’ve struggled with is scoring, keeping pressure on, get the second, third. We did that today. All round, a lot of relief, a lot of satisfaction for a good performance.”
Southampton ace Ryan Manning gives verdict on 3-1 win v Leeds
A result and a start from Southampton that Leeds will not have seen coming. Southampton, with four straight losses and Leeds, unbeaten in six and boasting four straight clean sheets in the Championship.
Ultimately, Leeds did not get off the coach until the second half – which they won 1-0, Pascal Struijk scoring the only goal in the second 45. Manning lasted the entire 90 as Southampton win three points.
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