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Manchester United failed to win a Premier League game yet again as they drew 1-1 against Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Ralf Rangick's men started the game on a stronger note. They were firing on all cylinders and had the visitors hanging by a thread. Cristiano Ronaldo came close to opening the account but was denied off the line in the early phases of the game. The hosts were persistent in their attempts and their relentless counter-attacking football really caused Southampton all sorts of trouble.
Manchester United were rewarded with a goal in the 21st minute of the game. Jadon Sancho slotted one in from close range following some great work by Marcus Rashford to square off a pass. Following the goal, Southampton started revving things up. They created numerous chances but were unable to get an equalizer by the end of the first half.
However, the visitors came out roaring following the restart. They scored in the 48th minute of the game as Che Adams tucked one past David de Gea following some brilliant vision by Mohamed Elyounoussi to find him. The 27-year-old saw Raphael Varane dangling and wasted no time in playing the pass past United's back-line. Following the equalizer both teams tried to find the winning goal, but it was not meant to be and the game ended in a draw eventually.
On that note, here's a look at five talking points from the game:
#5 Harry Maguire's mediocre performance in the spotlight again
Manchester United captain and defender Harry Maguire is struggling to regain his lost form. Fans have started raising questions over his selection week in, week out. Amidst this corundum the Englishman produced another awful performance against Southampton.
Although Maguire did not have much trouble in the opening half, the second half exposed him badly. He was bullied by Armando Broja for the majority of the second half. His positioning left a lot to be desired and his sluggishness allowed the visitors to have a go on numerous occasions. Meanwhile, his failure to mark Che Adams added fuel to the fire.
He should be grateful for Raphael Varane and David de Gea, otherwise Maguire's mistakes could've turned costly.
#4 Manchester United fail to kill the game yet again
This has been a persistent issue for Manchester United this season. They have not been able to kill off games despite having the best of chances. They have not been able to turn their opening half performances into victories.
Manchester United were first to score in all of their previous three games but have failed to hold on to them. They drew 1-1 against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup before losing on penalties and then drew 1-1 against Burnley as well.
The Red Devils have not been able to replicate their opening-half performances in the later stages of the game. They lose the plot completely following the restart and it is quite evident. Rangnick will have a lot to assess if he is to turn the tide.
#3. Jadon Sancho the only positive for Manchester United
Jadon Sancho scored for the Red Devils yet again. The England international had also scored against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup tie which his side eventually lost.
Sancho has started looking like his former self again. Although his decision-making in the final third was questionable on various occasions, he looked threatening every time he advanced higher up the pitch.
Today's game might have lifted his confidence considerably. Sancho has started delivering for Manchester United and is showing why they splashed €85 million for him. Ralf Rangnick will be hoping that he continues his recent showings.
#2 Massive performance by Southampton in the second half
The visitors were clearly the dominant side following the restart. Che Adams and Armando Broja were a menace upfront and completely paralyzed Manchester United's defenders.
Broja's skill and pace yielded no response as he ran riot higher up the pitch. He really had Maguire gasping for breath and left him fazed by his trickery. Adams scored the equalizing goal for Southampton early on in the second half after receiving a defense splitting pass from Mohamed Elyounoussi.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo's drought continues
Cristiano Ronaldo has not had the best of starts to the year, having scored no goal so far in 2022. He has gone six games without scoring, which is his longest drought since 2020. The 37-year-old looked bright in the opening half and he even came close to scoring a goal twice against Southampton. His early attempt was denied off the line once and another was ruled out for offside.
Ronaldo last scored a goal against Burnley on 30th December 2021. The five-time Ballon d'Or has come under fire for his recent performances.
Ralf Rangnick has also, in his recent interviews, acknowledged that Ronaldo needs to score more. With Edinson Cavani unable to start more than two games in a row, it has become all the more important that the Portuguese delivers.
