Jose Mourinho thanks Southampton staff after being sent to the stands

Mourinho was dismissed by referee Craig Pawson in the 93rd minute for his touchline antics. The Southampton staff seemed rather bemused by Mourniho's gesture before the Portuguese manager departed for the tunnel.

Earlier Romelu Lukaku had opened the scoring after he overpowered the Saints defence before prodding the ball home from close range after his initial header was saved by Fraser Forster.

However, a promising second-half display ended in frustration for the home side - in the first game attended by the Gao family since taking majority control of the south coast club - as United managed to hold on.

Pellegrino's men were impressive after the break, although it was hard to look any more toothless than they did in a first half when Nathan Redmond's wayward shot was the best they could muster.

As for United, they showed their teeth as patience in possession bore fruit in the 20th minute.

Ashley Young, again deployed at left-back, was allowed to switch onto his favoured right foot and cross. Lukaku shrugged off his marker and powered a header that Forster could only push back into his path, allowing him to prod home.

The continuation of the striker's fine start to life at United was swiftly followed by a chant relating to his penis that fans had been asked not to sing by club and the player himself, followed by a rendition of "we'll sing what we want".

Marcus Rashford fizzed a free-kick just wide as the visitors looked to take grip of a match that they were looking comfortable in, with Lukaku's low cross hacked away by Wesley Hoedt as United stroked the ball around with confidence.

Saints returned from the break with renewed impetus, though, and Oriol Romeu directed just wide after a corner fell lto him in the box just six minutes after the restart.

David De Gea denied Redmond at his near post as the home side continued brightly, with Shane Long seeing penalty claims against Phil Jones rejected.

Forster saved well when Lukaku had an attempt on what was becoming rare attacking forays by United, with Marouane Fellaini clearing a dangerous Romeu header before Redmond attempted a low drive.

Romeu dragged a shot across the face of goal from an acute angle 12 minutes from time - swiftly followed by substitute Ander Herrera wasting a glorious chance at the other end.

*Additional reporting by Press Association