Man United 0-0 Southampton: Manchester United failed to deal with Premier League runner-up Southampton at home on Sunday afternoon. The home club played a large part of the game with ten men after a red card for Casemiro.
During the week, Man Utd was already working on a return of self-confidence after the record defeat to Liverpool (7-0), Real Betis was treated to a 4-1 defeat in the round of 16 of the Europa League. Man Utd started strongly against Southampton, although the number twenty in the league also had chances.
After a little over half an hour, the game turned. Casemiro committed a foul on Carlos Alcaraz and was booked for it, but after interference from the VAR, referee Anthony Taylor still issued a red card. Not long after, basic player Wout Weghorst was sacrificed by manager Erik Ten Hag, who brought in a new inspector for the Dutchman in Scott McTominay. Even before that moment, Man Utd claimed a penalty after hands from Armel Bella-Kotchap, who received the ball against his arm while lying on the ground. However, the ball did not hit the spot.
Second half
Southampton got stronger and stronger with one man. James Ward-Prowse hit the crossbar from a free kick ten minutes into the second half and keeper David de Gea made a save after a break from Theo Walcott, who took advantage of a bad pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Man Utd’s only real feat came off the foot of Bruno Fernandes. Who saw goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu tap the ball onto the post with a superb save.
Shortly afterwards, Southampton also hit the post, through Kyle Walker-Peters. For example, the fans at Old Trafford saw a very nice game, without goals. The draw has brought number four Tottenham Hotspur a bit closer in the rankings. The difference being two points in favor of Ten Hag and Man Utd. Southampton takes a point in the fight against relegation, but remains at the bottom of the Premier League.
Manchester United have 50 points and are in third position, while Southampton are 22th with 22 points. In the next game, Manchester United will play against Newcastle United on Sunday, April 2, in an away game. Southampton will take on Brentford at home on Wednesday 15 March.
