Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has called out his side for a lack of composure as they dropped points in the 1-1 draw against Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
It seems to be a tale of two halves when United play these days with Rangnick’s side more often than not, having to surrender an early lead in games.
Just days ago, United were held to a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor after taking the lead in the first half.
The Red Devils were once again pegged back after taking a first half lead via Jadon Sancho with Che Adams grabbing the equaliser for the Saints.
Match Report
Both sides started the game in a lively fashion, creating half chances at both ends. Cristiano Ronaldo came close early in the game as he received a cross from inside the box. However, his effort on goal was blocked by a Southampton defender.
Jadon Sancho tried his luck minutes later, finishing off a nice individual brilliance with a shot but Fraser Forster was on hand to save it.
Sancho soon got his name on the scoresheet after a counter attacking play by United. Marcus Rashford played in a cross from the left wing after a brilliant run, setting up Sancho for a tap in at the near post.
The goal was the England international’s first goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Southampton had the chance to restore parity, however, Stuart Armstrong’s attempt from the edge of the box was dragged a foot wide.
A few moments later, Armstrong found himself in a glorious position after beating a defender but his attempt was saved by David de Gea in goal.
Manchester United had the ball in the net in added time after Paul Pogba slammed home Ronaldo’s Cross but the goal was ruled out as the Portuguese was adjudged to be offside in the build-up.
The Saints came back from the interval with fire in their bellies as they quickly grabbed the equaliser minutes after the restart.
A nicely weighted pass by Mohamed Elyounoussi found Che Adams who’s strike from the left side of the box beat de Gea and settled at the back of the net.
Broja came close to putting his side ahead with a fine strike from inside the box but his shot was parried away by the United goalkeeper.
Maguire also came close to restoring his side’s lead, connecting well to a set piece cross, but the Saints’ defence were able to deal with the attempt.
In the closing stages, United kept pushing for a winner and thought they had got it when Ronaldo had the ball at the back of the net. However, the goal didn’t stand as the former Real Madrid star was in an offside position.
Forster saved his side at the death, pulling off a glorious save to deny Maguire’s headed attempt from a set piece.
The save ensured the spoils were shared at Old Trafford with United limping to a second draw in as many league games.
United Boss Ralf Rangnick Reacts To Southampton Draw
Rangnick was quick to point out the pattern of a reduced intensity from his side which allows the opposition to crawl back into games.
Speaking after the match, United boss, Rangnick gave his take on the draw to Southampton:
“Unfortunately, again, very similar to the last couple of games, very good first half, very good first half hour,” he said.
“We did all the things we intended to do with the counter attacks, with the deep runs. Exactly that way, we got the goal, great goal in all aspects.
“But yeah, we stopped doing that and at the end of the first half, we didn’t do these things anymore.
“Southampton played well, they played with the same intensity and tactical approach that they did against Tottenham, so this is not an easy team to play against.”
Speaking on his side’s chances of securing a top four finish, Rangnick admitted that it might be a difficult task to achieve with the draw to Southampton.
“Yes, we know that (top four will be hard). It was the fourth game out of the last five or six where we were 1-0 or 2-0 up and didn’t get three points.
“So this is six points if you add on Aston Villa, Burnley and the game today, that would have been six points. It can happen, but not six points.
“This is why we’re all very disappointed, but it doesn’t help. We have to look forward and do it better on Tuesday against Brighton.
Implications of the match on both teams
With the draw, Man United make their quest for a top four finish that much harder as they continue to drop points.
They currently sit fifth on the Premier League standings with 40 points from 24 games. Rivals Arsenal are placed sixth with 39 points and two games in hand while Tottenham are seventh with 36 points and three games in hand.
Man United are in danger of slipping down the table if their rivals get the points from their games in hand.
They however, have the opportunity to get more points in their midweek fixture against Brighton on Tuesday, February 15.
Southampton on the other hand record their 29th point of the season in 24 games. They currently sit 10th and the Saints will be hoping to remain in the top half of the table over the course of the season.
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