Robin van Persie (no.20) in a duel with Southampton’s Maya Yoshida.Robin van Persie (no.20) in a duel with Southampton’s Maya Yoshida.

Robin van Persie scored twice as Manchester United won 2-1 at Southampton to continue their recent resurgence and climb to third in the Premier League last night.

The Dutchman scored in each half as United, who were distinctly second best for much of the game, secured their fifth successive Premier League victory.

Graziano Pelle ended a personal goal drought dating back to October by equalising but Southampton have now lost three successive Premier League games and are without a league victory since a 1-0 win against struggling Leicester City on Nov. 8.

Manchester United have 28 points, five behind rivals Man. City in second and eight less than leaders Chelsea while Southampton have dropped to fifth on 26 points.

After a patient start on the south coast Southampton gifted the visitors the lead when captain Jose Fonte’s weak back pass was seized upon by Van Persie who rounded goalkeeper Fraser Forster before rolling the ball home in the 12th minute.

However, United’s shaky defence, reverted to a back three, looked vulnerable and after the hosts had created a number of good chances Pelle fired them level after 31 minutes beating De Gea from close in.

The Saints began the second half in the ascendancy but despite their heavy pressure United grabbed the winner against the run of play when Van Persie guided Wayne Rooney’s free-kick through the legs of Forster at the far post in the 71st minute.

Leading standings

  P W D L F A Pts
Chelsea 15 11 3 1 34 13 36
Man. City 15 10 3 2 32 14 33
Man. United 15 8 4 3 26 17 28
West Ham 15 8 3 4 26 18 27
S’thampton 15 8 2 5 25 12 26
Arsenal 15 6 5 4 24 18 23
Newcastle 15 6 5 4 17 18 23

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