Manchester United extend their unbeaten run away from home to 27 Premier League games, equalling Arsenal’s top-flight record.
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Manchester United’s impressive second-half fightback could only yield them a draw against Southampton at St. Mary’s on Sunday. Last season when these two sides met, United thrashed the Saints 9-0 at Old Trafford. But, this time around the story panned out different as Southampton and United played out a 1-1 draw. Che Adams’s deflected shot got past David De Gea in the 30th minute to give Saints the lead heading into the half time. United then continued to pile the pressure on the home side’s defense with a flurry of attacks. They were redeemed for that pressure, with Mason Greenwood continuing his goal-scoring form as he equalised for United in the 55th minute. Both teams had the chance to win the match and secure all three points but in the end, they had to be content with a solitary point.
? It ends all square at St Mary’s between Southampton and Manchester United.
❤️ Ralph Hasenhuttl hugging all his players at full-time. pic.twitter.com/S0C6X3oj4i
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 22, 2021
Ralph Hasenhuttl named an unchanged Southampton team after they lost 3-1 to Everton in the opening weekend. The Saints have lost key players over the summer with Jannik Vestergaard and Danny Ings departing but they’ve been boosted by James Ward-Prowse signing a new contract.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made two changes to his Manchester United starting XI. Daniel James and Scott McTominay were left out. They were replaced by Nemanja Matic and Anthony Martial.
Manchester United’s two new signings were given spots on the bench. Jadon Sancho made his debut for the Red Devils last weekend against Leeds at Old Trafford. Raphael Varane, meanwhile, was unveiled at Old Trafford a week ago and has been training with the team to regain his match fitness.
The first half started off with plenty of chances for both teams. However, United had the better chances to score. They hit the crossbar in the 8th minute of the game. Bruno Fernandes whipped a free kick into the box. Victor Lindelof threw himself at the ball but it bounced through to Harry Maguire and looped up. The ball dropped onto the crossbar and fell to Anthony Martial. He whipped his head onto the ball to turn it towards goal but his effort was cleared off the line.
However, it was Southampton who drew first blood. Che Adam put the Saints in the lead. Bruno Fernandes was caught on the ball by Jack Stephens deep in his own half. He sent the ball across to Djenepo who found Armstrong. Armstrong flicked the ball into the feet of Che Adams who let go from the edge of the box. The shot hit Fred and deflected into the bottom corner. David De Gea leaped across but he couldn’t keep it out.
The second half started brightly for United with continuous attacks. Paul Pogba earned the goal for United. He weaved and shimmied his way into the left side of the box before playing a one-two with Fernandes. Pogba then poked the ball to Greenwood in the centre of the box and the youngster slotted it home.
It’s a great point for Southampton who get their Premier League campaign underway. On the other hand, Manchester United remain undefeated away from home in 27 games and move up to fourth in the table but they’ll feel as though they left two points on the pitch today.
