The win againstLiverpool was not just a one-off illusion, and Manchester United had to prove it to the public.
The mood around Old Trafford was lifted by the victory over the old adversary on Monday night for the new manager's first victory in the premier league.
Had United turned out to be a one-hit wonders, there would have been questions about how they got back into the old ways that saw them beaten at home by the Seagulls and humiliated by the Bees in their first two games.
In the sunshine at St Mary's, and on a surface that looked like a victim of the recent dry spell, United created a win that was not spectacular, but which was absolutely essential.
United and Ten Hag needed a building block on the road out of adversity or a false dawn and this is exactly what they got.
Casemiro, United's new marquee signing from Real Madrid, was added to the bench after the manager decided to stick with the side that beatLiverpool.
At times, United had to dig deep to keep Saints out, but at least they had the ability to get the shovel out and start digging, unlike at Brentford, where they subsided completely.
The trauma of the game for Ten Hag and his team was compounded by the fact that Lisandro was removed from the game after 45 minutes of being bullied.
He was man of the match here, his efforts being rewarded with chants of "Argentina" throughout the game and at the final whistle, after showing his character and resilience with a starring role againstLiverpool.
How he fares against strikers of greater stature remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that United have a real competitor and fighter in Martinez.
The goal taken from Diogo Dalot's cross may be seen as a good sign. The Portuguese, so influential in the months after his arrival fromSporting Lisbon, became mired in the mediocrity that engulfed United and was spending more time squabbling about decisions and trying to win cheap fouls.
If Ten Hag can get Fernandes' mind and talents focused once more, then United will have a renewed asset on their hands, as well as the composure of Christian Eriksen and the shield that will be provided by Casemiro.
They could find any club attractive enough for him and he was used as an impact substitute but the impact was minimal and a worry for the club captain.
After those two opening defeats and the abysmal manner in which his new team performed, Ten Hag declared himself satisfied with a win that will reduce the noise around United.
United rode their luck at times, with keeper David de Gea saving well from Joe Aribo and Saints furious they weren't awarded a penalty when they appealed for a hand in the ball.
The Saints deserved a lot of credit in the loss. Even if they were missing the final flourish, this was a side full of commitment and desire, even if they were unhappy with the way things were going.
The manager of United and Ten Hag wants to add more reinforcements to his squad after two important victories.
The clouds over United are not completely gone, but they are starting to lift after the darkness that threatened to destroy them a fortnight ago.
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