Robin van Persie's 26th-minute strike has given Manchester United the half-time lead against Southampton.

The Dutch striker rounded goalkeeper Artur Boruc, after the Polish stopper had thwarted Wayne Rooney, who was put through by Adnan Januzaj.

Rooney went close a minute later when he smashed a shot against the crossbar, after he was allowed to turn by the Southampton defence around 20 yards out.

The visitors had earlier nearly taken the lead when Rooney lost the ball in a dangerous area, but Pablo Osvaldo could only fire straight at David de Gea.