on 18 september 2002, forlán came on as a 56th-minute substitute for ryan giggs in a champions league match versus maccabi haifa. he scored his first united goal as an 89th-minute penalty kick in the 5–2 win. his first premier league goal was a 77th-minute equaliser in a home 1–1 draw against aston villa on 26 october. in forlán's next premier league game, at home to southampton on 2 november, he came on as a 79th-minute substitute for united's goalscorer phil neville with the score at 1–1, and scored the winner with a dipping shot over southampton goalkeeper antti niemi in the 85th minute. the goal also became notable due to his goal celebration where he ripped off his jersey, but then struggled to put it back on as the game recommenced, with forlan making a blocked tackle while shirtless.