Manchester United equaled Arsenal’s Premier League away unbeaten record as they drew 1-1 with Southampton. A deflected shot from Che Adams off Fred gave Southampton the lead.
United responded ten minutes into the second half through Mason Greenwood’s second goal of the season. Southampton striker Adam Armstrong had a great chance to win it late on but was denied by David de Gea in the United goal.
It means the Old Trafford side equal the longest unbeaten away record in the Premier League with 27 games. They could break that record next week as they face Wolves at Molineux.
Manchester United Equal Premier League Away Record
Lackluster Display From Manchester United
Manchester United may have maintained their long unbeaten run in the Premier League, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be bitterly disappointed with his side’s display.
After a great win against Leeds United in the opening game of the season, this was the polar opposite to that display. They started well and had chances to open the scoring in the first half-hour. Victor Lindelof hit the bar with a header and Paul Pogba had a goal-bound shot blocked on the line.
But they faded as the half went on, especially when they conceded. They started the second half well and found a deserved equaliser via Mason Greenwood. However, instead of kicking on, Manchester United were sloppy, passive, and made too many mistakes.
Too often they gave the ball away and were fortunate that Adam Armstrong didn’t punish a mistake by Harry Maguire to give Southampton the lead once again. In midfield, they lacked the drive of Scott McTominay, who was dropped for Nemanja Matic. There is no doubt that United’s midfield is an area that needs strengthening and is the weakest area of the team.
If United are to win the Premier League this season, these are the type of games they have to win.
Martial Found Wanting Once Again
It was surprising that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made changes following their impressive display against Leeds United on the opening day of the season. The biggest was the inclusion of Anthony Martial up front with Mason Greenwood shifted to the right of the attacking midfield trio.
However, the French international was largely anonymous. He wasn’t a threat in behind and didn’t cause Southampton’s centre-backs any problems. It was surprising that he wasn’t taken off at halftime.
There has been much speculation over Martial’s future at Old Trafford and this display will do nothing to dismiss that. With Edinson Cavani to come back after the Copa America, and Mason Greenwood already scoring in both Premier League games this season, Martial’s place is very much under threat.
You do have to question why Solskjaer decided to start with Martial upfront in the first place. Especially given Mason Greenwood’s display up top against Leeds United. Greenwood is a more natural finisher than Martial and is surely the future frontman for the Old Trafford side.
Impressive Performance From Mohammed Salisu
Southampton fans would have been fearing the worst after losing centre-back Jannik Vestergaard to Leicester City. However, his replacement, Mohammed Salisu, put in an impressive performance. He made just 12 appearances in the Premier League last season.
He made some crucial blocks in the first half to keep Southampton in the game, in particular from Paul Pogba. It was also an impressive display from right-back Valentino Livramento, who was signed from Chelsea for £5 million earlier this summer. The 18-year-old was outstanding.
He was strong in defence and provided an attacking threat, especially late on in the second half. If Southampton are going to maintain their Premier League status and have a successful season, Livramento’s performances will be key.
Crucial Point for Ralph Hasenhuttl
It was a crucial point for Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. After a disappointing collapse against Everton, this point gives them a platform to build from.
At times, they looked like the Southampton of the early part of last season. Pressing high and full of energy. They constantly put United’s defence under pressure. It was that pressure on Harry Maguire that led to Adam Armstrong’s golden chance to win the three points for the Saints. Unfortunately for him, he was denied by David De Gea. Nevertheless, it was a great performance from the newcomer, who put in a ton of work upfront.
Incredibly, Southampton have dropped 60 points from winning positions under Hasenhuttl prior to this game. Hasenhuttl will be delighted to get a point on the board despite another two points lost from a winning position.
More recruitment is needed, especially at the back. However, if Southampton can maintain this level of performance, they should be able to comfortably finish in the upper echelon of the bottom half.
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