A lethargic performance across the pitch from United ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw at St Mary’s. Mason Greenwood’s 2nd goal of the season gave the Reds a platform to grab all 3 points after a Fred own goal, but United didn’t take their chances.
Manchester United vs Southampton Analysis
First Half
After a bright opening 15 mins to the game, Solskjær’s side quietened down and allowed Southampton to get a hold of the ball. Early missed chances from Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba almost sucked the life out of United so early on. Che Adams’ deflected effort off Fred found its way into the back of the net, putting the reds a goal down on the road, again. Adams’ shot resulted in the goal going down as a Fred own goal in the 30th minute. After this, United didn’t really threaten Alex McCarthy’s goal in the first half, and looked a side needing half time.
Second Half
At the break, Ralph Hassenhütl replaced Theo Walcott with Jan Bednarek, seeing the Saints drop into a back 5. Shortly after, Mason Greenwood’s scrappy attempt found its way into the net, levelling up in the 55th minute. Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes played a vital part in the goal, with the Frenchman getting his 5th assist of the campaign. This makes him the first player in the Premier League to reach 5 assists after just 2 games of a campaign. With many expecting United to go and win the game, it was as though Solskjær’s men got worse. Jadon Sancho replaced Anthony Martial in the 60th minute, with the new signing looking lively. However, he failed to make any real difference.
Fred and Nemanja Matic looked poor, losing the ball continuously and being over-ran. The back four also looked polar opposites to what they were last weekend in the win against Leeds. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf failed to take charge at the back, which seemed like it affected the side. In the end, the attacking line-up failed to create chances, with United being lucky to hold on for the draw.
What next for Manchester United?
Overall, United must do what they can to bring in a defensive midfielder before the end of the transfer window. The side looked slow, with Mason Greenwood the only positive off the afternoon. If Solskjær wants to turn the side into serious title contenders, these are the games where he must get results. Next up for the Reds is Wolves at Molineux; a place where United have only won once since the Norwegian took over.
