Manchester United’s season continued to go downhill as they struggled to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against early pace setters Southampton.
Robin van Persie had opened the scoring in the first half for the Red Devils only for Southampton to equalize at the dying moments of the match. Dejan Lovren latched on to a corner that went in off Southampton skipper Adam Lallana in the 89th minute of the game.
For once, David Moyes got his team selection spot on. However after the opening exchanges, Wayne Rooney started to look edgy. Although the United number 10 hit the bar on one occasion, he did not look comfortable on the ball, often squandering possession at a crucial part of the pitch.
Adnan Januzaj continued his fine form as a United starter as he continued to play good balls up top along with fleeting exchanges with van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
It was his pin point through ball to Wayne Rooney that made the opening goal for United. The onrushing Boruc was able to save Rooney’s shot which was deflected into the path of Robin van Persie. The cool and collected Dutchman was able to round Boruc as well as a couple of Southampton defenders before slotting the ball home from a tight angle.
United hit the post on a couple of occasions with Wayne Rooney and van Persie coming close as well. Nani nearly found the near post from a header on one occasion, but it was well saved from Boruc.
Southampton kept up the pressure to their credit as they continued to move forward with Lallana doing much of the work.
It was the substitutions that undid Manchester United while they lifted Southampton. Moyes will regret putting on the slow and ageing Ryan Giggs in place of Nani. Then on, putting Chris Smalling in for Wayne Rooney took away a lot of pressure from the visitors. Probably, Welbeck for Fellaini was a good sub.
Southampton meanwhile introduced James Ward Prose and Ricky Lambert, both of whom helped them equalize. Ward Prose had a huge effect on the game as the young England midfielder took the game by the scruff of its neck and ultimately, it was his corner that led to the goal.
United tried hard in the 5 minutes of extratime to get another goal, but Southampton held their own as United’s faltering start to the season continued.