Manchester United were held in a 1-1 draw against the Saints in a lacklustre away match at the Saint Mary’s stadium. While the atmosphere from the away end was amazing, the Red Devils left the match with a single point.
Here are the 5 things we learned from today’s match:
1) Poor team selection
Despite equalling Arsenal’s record of ‘most unbeaten away games’ (27), the team lacked quality throughout the game. The manager started Matic alongside Fred, and the result was horrendous. Fred’s occasional mistakes cost United an own goal in the first half. Matic too wasn’t remarkable, apart from a header on target. However with McTominay unable to play more than 30 minutes, it left Ole with not much to choose from.
Anthony Martial also failed to make a comeback as he made just 10 touches in the first half. He then barely offered a threat in the second half. It seems unlikely he will start the next fixture away at Wolves, especially with Edinson Cavani returning to fitness.
2) Paul Pogba – A key player for Manchester United
Paul Pogba was the key player in the second half of the game. After a quiet first half, he improved and ran the whole game. Mason’s equaliser was assisted by Pogba as he ran into the box, played a one-two with Bruno Fernandes, then made another assist to the teenager. The assist to Mason Greenwood made Pogba the first-ever player to provide 5+ assists in the opening 2 games of a PL season. Paul Pogba, with his current form, will play a crucial role in the upcoming games.
3) Set pieces have improved
With the appointment of set-piece coach Eric Ramsey, the set-piece disaster is finally coming to an end as Manchester United’s best route to goals in the game came through set-pieces.
The club appointed set-piece coach Eric Ramsay in the summer after the 2020/21 season where they conceded 18 goals from dead-ball situations.
“Eric Ramsay has come in, he’s working really well with the boys,” Solskjaer said. “The first two or three (set-pieces), we could or should have had two or three goals on set-plays, which is pleasing but also disappointing we couldn’t get the ball over the line.”
4) The need for a defensive midfielder still glaring
The team lost a lot of possession in the midfield. Fred lost possession 16x and Matic 22x — a combined, staggering 38x, which is clearly unacceptable for the club. It clearly highlighted the need for a defensive midfielder. One who can regain possession and make timely interceptions, apart from providing important passes.
Southampton’s high press caused Manchester United problems throughout the match. This led to their goal. The high press caused Bruno to lose the ball in their final third and the ball found its way to Adams. Adams’ left-footed shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Fred and it got past De Gea to give Southampton the lead.
5) Donny should be in the starting XI
Donny Van de Beek, who is yet to make a 21/22 Premier League appearance was again left on the bench, despite being a better option than Fred. With the upcoming match against the Wolves, United should start with Donny in the centre. Not only would Donny provide more control throughout the pitch, but also many key passes.
With Fred’s poor form in the match, it is unlikely that he would start alongside Matic. The manager is most likely to go with McFred or Matic-VDB in the centre. Donny last played in a pre-season friendly against Everton where he has created chances, provided key passes, and was vocal throughout the game.
