Manchester United have drawn yet again, tying Southampton 0-0 at Old Trafford.
Manchester United knew a win was needed, as the club had been going through a dip in form, going winless in 4 straight. With this is mind, Mourinho changed up the starting lineup. Mkhitaryan came into the side, starting out wide. Lindelof and Jones also came back into the side, replacing Rojo and Smalling.
United should’ve taken the lead in the opening 5 minutes when Lukaku had a golden chance. A ping by Pogba picked out Mata on the wing, who cut inside and hit a cross to the near post. The ball picked out Lukaku open in the area, but he miscalculated his header, and hit it well over.
David De Gea continued to prove why he is the best goalkeeper in the world, when he was able to save a low shot from Boufal that was heading to the corner.
It was a scary scene soon after, when there was a clash of heads in the midfield between Lukaku and Hoedt. The Saints defender was quickly back to his feet, but Lukaku had stayed on the ground. The Belgian did not move much, and was put on a stretcher before being carried out of the stadium. Rashford came on to replace him.
Southampton had a great chance to score the opening goal of the game when horrible defending from United left Hoedt wide open in the penalty area during a corner. It was a free header for the Dutchman, but he hit it wide of the target.
Manchester had a chance on the corner following a Saints corner. Mata found Rashford, who played Mkhitaryan through down the wing. The Armenian tried to cross it back into the middle, but hit it over the heads of Rashford and Lingard.
Southampton had the best chance on goal to open the half. Ward-Prowse picked out Shane Long in the middle, and his low shot from close range was kicked away from De Gea.
Martial replaced Mkhitaryan.
Martial made an immediate impact, drawing a free kick in a dangerous position. Young’s effort came close, but just hit off the wall for a corner.
Matic then hit a long shot into the night sky.
United finally put the ball into the Southampton net, but it was called back for offside. A corner fell into the area, and Martial got a quick shot off. It looked like it might’ve been going in, but Pogba tapped it in at the back post. However, Pogba was offside, so the goal was called back.
United kept up the pressure, sending everything forward, but couldn’t create another clear cut chance.
Manchester United’s next match is away to Everton on New Years Day.
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