Danny Murphy believes Manchester United’s win over Southampton proves they will win title

Manchester United have proven they will beat Manchester City to the Premier League title after beating Southampton, according to Danny Murphy.

Jose Mourinho’s side earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday and have taken 16 points from a possible 18 so far this season.

United laboured to the win with Mourinho capping off a tense game by being sent to the stands in the closing minutes.

City are top of the table and sit above United on goal difference, but Murphy believes United will be champions come the end of the campaign after watching them grind out a win at St Mary’s.

‘People doubt sometimes if they want to do the hard yards creative players, but for Mourinho you have to or you’re out,’ Murphy told the BBC.

‘It’s great to see players playing for the team even at a big club where they’re expected to go and dominate.

‘They do it because if they won’t they won’t play.

‘Performances like today are why I think United will win it ahead of City. They’re more pragmatic.’

United have been helped by mega-signing Romelu Lukaku hitting the ground running with the Belgian scoring six goals in as many league games for his new side.

Lukaku’s 20th minute strike against Southampton ensured his team came away with all three points despite a close game.

United piled on the pressure in the second half, but thanks to Lukaku’s goal, the Red Devils held on for the victory.

Mourinho’s side remains unbeaten in the new season and is on track to maintain his charge for a title in his second season at Old Trafford.

City’s goal difference is three better than United’s with a 5-0 win at Crystal Palace the latest thrashing handed out by the Sky Blues.

Mourinho has always won the title in his second season at a club while Guardiola failed to win silverware last season for the first time in his career.