Manchester United drew to Southampton by a 1-1 scoreline and it proved that United is still a work in progress. The match was filled with close moments, basic errors, and some poor decision-making. Nevertheless, it didn’t fail to give a reality check to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and his team.
Manchester United started brightly and they had hit the post within 15 mins. They dominated the Saint in possession and threatened from dead-ball situations. But it was not enough as they went one goal down due to a defensive error.
The steady pace of United’s attack soon started going slow. A foul on Bruno Fernandes was called off by the referee and Che Adams race through the goal and hit a powerful shot. The ball was deflected due to Fred’s poor defensive positioning and it passed through David De Gea.
Honours even at St Mary's.#MUFC | #SOUMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 22, 2021
The goal was a reality check for United and they soon started searching for their first goal. The first half was a pretty disappointing one and they failed to score.
The second half got United a goal through Mason Greenwood. It was Paul Pogba again who made the assist after a beautiful pass exchange with Bruno Fernandes. Mason Greenwood, the teenage sensation, received the ball in the center of the goal and he hit a low shot. It went through McCarthy.
But from then, Manchester United failed to create any more chances. In fact, Southampton got another chance to score their second goal and seal the match. Adam Armstrong was wide open and he raced on goal. He hit a powerful shot but De Gea was equally solid as he saved the shot and even saved the match.
Solksjaer didn’t bring on Jadon Sancho early and a lack of early substitution further created a mess. Raphael Varane was never introduced and the team selection would be questioned after the match.
We did equalize Arsenal’s invincible record by remaining unbeaten in 27 away matches but it was an underwhelming display from Manchester United. Though they started brightly, they failed to capitalize on their game.
Let’s get deep into some important points on United’s match against Southampton:
A defensive midfielder should be signed as early as possible:
Southampton clearly targeted Fred and Matic throughout the match with their high pressing. Both the holding midfielders were very slow against Southampton and had little influence.
The biggest question is- Why are we so dependent on this midfield duo?
Nemanja Matic has been slow and his age is one of the factors. Fred has never been consistent for Manchester United and we need a player who can play his heart out in every match.
Many teams have been trying to pick out United’s weakness in midfield. Solksjaer’s development will only be completed if he brings in a quality defensive midfielder.
United’s centrebacks have received very little shielding from the midfielders playing ahead of them. We have choices in this summer transfer window but it all depends on how quickly we act.
Eduardo Camavinga is available, Ruben Neves is available, and we should get them before it’s too late.
Mason Greenwood should be our No.9
This young lad never fails to impress the fans and the manager with his goal-scoring talent. He scored against Leeds United and now he scored against Southampton as well. What surprises us is that he has an excellent sense of positioning throughout the match.
Anthony Martial was given the nod to play as the focal striker and Greenwood was drifted towards the right. But Martial had very little impact and Greenwood played far better than the Frenchman.
19 – Mason Greenwood has scored 19 Premier League goals, only three players have netted more in the competition as a teenager (Michael Owen 40, Robbie Fowler 35, Wayne Rooney 30). Finisher. pic.twitter.com/39Y3hghyVk
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 22, 2021
With Jadon Sancho returning, Mason Greenwood should be selected ahead of Anthony Martial. Edinson Cavani and Greenwood could take turns to play as a striker for Manchester this season.
This lad will score a lot of goals this season and you should start placing bets on him now.
Solksjaer needs to be clever with his team selection:
One of the reasons we lost today was the poor team selection from Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Anthony Martial’s selection was a question considering that Greenwood should have started as the main striker.
Jadon Sancho was left on the bench which was again questionable. Fred and Matic were too slow at the center and failed to shield the defense.
Solksjaer had options on the bench but made late substitutions. We had seen last season that Solksjaer’s poor decision in selecting his players caused us a lot of issues. The most notable match against Villarreal in the Europa League finals was one of the examples.
If Solksjaer wants to stamp his name in the record books he has to start making proper decisions regarding selecting the best players.
What’s next:
Manchester United travel Molineux Stadium to play against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the 29th of August.
