Manchester United fielded a much stronger side than they did against Wolves, but the two teams were fairly equal in the early stages.
In between some nasty challenges on Matt Oakley, there were claims from the Saints for a penalty after five minutes, after a hand seemed to block a rasping Matthew Oakley shot.
The first name in the referee's book was surprisingly not a man United player, after some hard challenges, but was Neil McCann.
Once united began to show their superior passing skill, Jones had to save from a Ryan Giggs flick after fifteen minutes. However much of the best play for the next fifteen minutes came from the home side.
A very ambitious and accurate forty yard shot from Le Saux, followed by a wide shot two minutes later. Saints were also looking good on the other flank, with Fabrice Fernandes looking to get past Phillip Neville at every opportunity.
It wasn't until the thirty second minute that van Nistelrooy had an opportunity. The Dutchman took advantage of some slack play from Telfer, in the middle of midfield for this game, and tried to put a curling shot into the top corner. Fortunately, he didn't trouble Paul Jones too much and the Welshman made a comfortable save.
At the other end Fabrice Fernandes gave Kevin Phillips an opportunity but he couldn't quite get in on goal. Seconds later Phillips was adjudged to have handled the ball rather than control it on his chest.
Saints continued to pressure the Man United box with a strong shot from James Beattie from good work form Neil McCann. The partnership between Phillips and Beattie is still developing, but both players are versatile and offer the Saints many options.
With Saints closing down any moves from the visitors, Saints looked to take advantage down the flanks. With Phillips looking to beat the offside trap, Saints looked the most likely to score.
However, Man United had the best opportunity before the break. Ryan Giggs put the ball through to Forlan, whose powerful shot was parried well by Paul Jones.
Saints started the second half brightly with Fabrice Fernandes getting in an early shot, albeit a scuffed one. James Beattie put a shot across the face of Tim Howard's goal after turning his marker. Unfortunately no one had made a run to put the ball into the net.
Saints continued to push for an opener, although they lacked a clinical pass or an effective run on some occasions.
At the other end, Michael Svensson did just enough to prevent Silvestre from getting his header on target. Diego Forlan also had an ambitious shot that trickled through to the Saints 'keeper.
Gordon Strachan was clearly troubled by Saints lack of incisiveness and he brought on Chris Marsden FG for Neil McCann who had little impact on the game.
Marsden was involved in the next Saints move which switched across the park, resulting in a Fernandes cross that went to close to Tim Howard. Behind the US 'keeper James Beattie had been waiting.
Less than a minute later, Kevin Phillips got past the United defence The ex Sunderland striker twisted past Silvestre, switched the ball to his left foot, and brought out an excellent save from the United 'keeper.
Svensson, Lundekvam and Phillips all tried to head the ball into the net form the resulting corner, Howard once again stood tall in a now shaky United back line.
Ryan Giggs came closest for Manchester United when he hit the bar after an non existent foul on Ronaldo, who had come on for the injured Kleberson. The assistant referee had already flagged for offside though.
Manchester United continued to have their first real spell of pressure, but Saints defended well across the entire team with Beattie, Marsden and Phillips tracking back.
This good play shifted the game back into Saints favour and Fabrice Fernandes put in a good cross to James Beattie, whose excellent hanging header had to be touched over the bar by Tim Howard. Howard also caught Le Saux's curling corner confidently.
Kevin Phillips, who had worked very hard and continued to show his quality was replaced by Brett Ormerod, who Strachan brought on to provide a fresh approach and relieve Phillips tired legs.
Diego Forlan, made up for a rather tame effort by hitting a good shot which Paul Jones had to do well to save. With Nicky Butt having come on, United looked to have more control in the midfield.
Strachan sacrificed the attack only Fernandes, for the nearly attack always Anders Svensson. The Swedish international went into the centre of midfield, enabling Paul Telfer to move out right, where is is most comfortable.
Saints fitness and the sheer determination and fresh legs of Brett Ormerod continued to push United back and Saints earned a succession of corners.
For once, Tim Howard failed to take a cross. Graeme Le Saux's corner reached a superb run and jump by James Beattie and the England centre forward put Saints into the lead.
Alex Ferguson, with only minutes to get an equaliser brought on Quinton Fortune and United were suddenly on the attack. Fortune and Giggs soon paired up but Paul Jones took the cross comfortably.
The experience of Telfer, Marsden and especially Graeme Le Saux enabled Saints to run down the clock and keep the ball from Manchester United.
With three minutes of stoppage time, Saints looked to keep the ball for as long as possible and Saints cleared their lines well. Marsden and Ormerod kept the ball in the corner the Saints fitness kept them alert and able to secure the victory.
Even if the game had been a draw, there would have been precious few negatives from Saints performances. Paul Telfer looks good defensively in midfield but perhaps lacks that instinct to deliver a key pass form that area.
Fabrice Fernandes still has to develop his runs more as he failed to get into position for a couple of deliveries. His defensive duties could do with some more work as well. However, some of his attacking play was impressive and he clearly has plenty of skill. There is much more to come from the Frenchman.
Once again, Paul Jones only had to rely on his reflex saves, rather than corners and he's top class in that department. Once again Svensson and Lundekvam continued to provide a rock solid defensive partnership and they were on had for Saints corners.
In the midfield, Matt Oakley had a great game. He prevented the United midfield from getting a sniff of control and he was instrumental in getting the Saints moving in the right direction. Beside him, Paul Telfer looked a very good defensive partner.
Perhaps Gordon Strachan has finally tired of trying to get a balance in some of his midfielder. It's pretty clear that Ander Svensson is never going to be defensive minded and so Rory Delap will continue to get the nod for the first team. That Strachan prefers Telfer to provide more balance should send a clear signal to Svensson that he must adapt to the team as the team isn't going to revolve around him.
Up front Phillips put in another superb performance. His tracking back, tackling, passing, runs and predatory instinct were all clearly visible. Beside him, James Beattie showed Svenn Goran Eriksson similar attributes and capped his game off with the only goal of the match with a brave header.
Finally, it was good to see the return of Chris Marsden to the side. With Graeme Le Saux clearly a very attacking player down the left, there is more of a need for a central, supporting midfielder than a winger. I think that's just one reason why Neil McCann has looked a little ineffective so far and why Marsden should be first choice in that position.
So a superb game for the Saints in every department and there's every sign that the team can continue to meet those standards every week.