Deputy captain Maya Yoshida was pleased that Saints could deliver on their promise to react positively after the disappointment suffered at the hands of Spurs four days prior.
The defender hailed the performance of Premier League debutant Alex McCarthy, who had a sizeable hand in Saints' first clean sheet since October, while also acknowledging the importance of team cohesion as a whole.
But while the point gleaned may serve as a momentary confidence boost, Yoshida is aware that the Crystal Palace clash is just around the corner, with the focus now firmly on greeting the St Mary's faithful with a first victory of 2018 on Tuesday evening.
"United are always difficult to play against, especially after the way we lost against Spurs," the Japanese international was quick to assert. "We expected a good reaction and we showed a good spirit.
"We've earned a clean sheet, which hasn't happened in a long time. Maybe we win the game if we take our chances, but we deserved at least a point. I'm happy with that.
"Everyone had to fight, from the top to the goalkeeper. A Premier League debut for Southampton for Alex and he delivered a great performance.
"I try to play simple, not only for the defenders, but to help out our midfield - keeping the ball moving quickly and to play one or two touch. The press was good, but now we move on to Crystal Palace because we have little time to prepare."
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