Southampton, United Kingdom: Robin van Persie scored twice as Manchester United belied a slipshod performance to win 2-1 at Southampton on Monday and claim third place in the Premier League table.


Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Pic/AFP 

The Dutchman exploited a blunder by Jose Fonte to put United ahead in the 12th minute at St Mary's and scored a 71st-minute winner from a Wayne Rooney free-kick after Graziano Pelle had equalised. United climbed above Southampton and West Ham United into third place, but they were fortunate to emerge with victory after a lacklustre display that also saw them lose centre-back Chris Smalling to a leg injury.