Manchester United 3:2 Southampton; RVP Hat Trick

Manchester United reached deep down into their barrel of magic Sunday morning/afternoon to steal a massive last-minute Premier League win away to Southampton.  New signing Robin van Persie, plucked from Arsenal a week before the season started, was sensational, scoring three goals for his first United hat trick and marking Sir Alex Ferguson's 1,000th League game in charge with a win and an exclamation point.
Saints were excellent for the first 60 minutes, taking the lead twice, with a van Persie strike in the middle equalizing for United before the home side drew ahead in the 55th minute.  United were energized by the introduction of Paul Scholes after Southampton's second goal, and built tempo and possession continuously until they were awarded a clear penalty when van Persie was hacked from behind. Inexplicably, however, the Dutchman's spot-kick was saved when he tried to chip the ball past the goalkeeper.
But because they are United, the 19-time English champions continued to build off of their pressure despite the miss and drew even when Javier Hernandez, seeing his first action of the season because of a Wayne Rooney injury, crossed inside to Rio Ferdinand.  Van Persie was there to clean up the garbage and level in the 87th minute.  United would get their winner five minutes later as their leading scorer rose to flick home a header with 92 minutes elapsed, capping a remarkable comeback and giving them crucial, crucial points.
On to the next one.

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