Manchester United were forced to settle for another 1-1 draw in the Premier League after being frustrated by a strong Southampton side.
Ralf Rangnick’s men are becoming accustomed to that scoreline, which has now occurred in three consecutive games – resulting in an FA Cup penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough and a league draw at Burnley.
United led the Saints in the first half – as they did against Burnley and Boro – but allowed a second-half equalize and were unable to score a winning goal.
After 21 minutes, the hosts took the lead when Marcus Rashford escaped behind the Saints’ defense and laid the ball off for Jadon Sancho to finish easily.
On the stroke of half-time, Paul Pogba tapped home but the goal was disallowed due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s offside – and the Portuguese superstar later had a header flagged off.
United were unable to establish their supremacy and were punished early in the second half when Che Adams remained onside to sneak a finish into the far corner via the foot of the post.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, who were crushed 9-0 on their previous visit to Old Trafford in February, were dominant for extended stretches following the defeat and may have pulled off a victory.
Armando Broja was denied a goal by David de Gea, who was kept busy, while Stuart Armstrong blazed wildly over from a great position.
United were unable to break into the top four as a result of the draw, while Southampton remained in 10th place, having lost just once in their last ten matches in all competitions.
