Full Time: Southampton 0-0 Manchester United
A toothless Manchester United managed to hold on to a 0-0 draw against Southampton at the St. Mary’ on Wednesday night in the Premier League.
The Saints had a great chance to take an early lead, but Manolo Gabbiadini’s penalty was saved by Sergio Romero. United struggled to create anything meaningful in front of goal as half-time arrived. Things did not improve much for Jose Mourinho’s players post the restart as it was Southampton who had the better chances to take three points from the game, but the Red Devils managed to hold on for a point.
The result was the first time the two teams have played out a goalless draw in over 30 years. It also marked another low for Mourinho’s United as the draw confirmed the Red Devils will finish the season with the lowest number of victories recorded by them in a season in the Premier League era.
Here is how the United players fared on the night:
Manchester United Player Ratings
Sergio Romero – 8/10
Brilliant save to deny Gabbiadini from the spot. Made a string of impressive stops in the second period to keep the Saints at bay. Man of the Match display.
Eric Bailly – 6.5/10
Blatant hand ball, but shouldn’t have been a penalty as it was outside the box. Nearly made amends with an excellent run and shot soon after. Pressed high up the pitch. A good game at right-back.
Chris Smalling – 5/10
May not have done a whole lot wrong, but looks nervy and susceptible under pressure. Could very well be headed out in the summer.
Phil Jones – 7/10
Put his body on the line to block attempts at goal. An all-action solid performance from the Englishman. Booked for a rash challenge on Cedric.
Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Strong and solid defensively, but rarely offered anything going forward down the left-hand side.
Marouane Fellaini – 6/10
Returning from suspension, was straight away thrust into action. Started off well, but pushed deeper and deeper with time as the Saints put pressure.
Axel Tuanzebe – 6/10
After a poor showing in the midfield last time around, the youngster put in a solid shift as he offered a good screen to his defence. Tried a little too much at times, much to his manager’s frustration, but a decent outing.
Juan Mata – 5/10
Buzzed in and around the Saints box, but lacked that cutting edge and the composure needed to unlock the defence.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4/10
A night to forget for the Armenian. Drifted in and out of the game, gave away the ball easily on a number of occasions.
Anthony Martial – 6/10
Should have hit the target after Rooney sent him through in the first half. Hit the post in the second period. Lively, but could have done more.
Wayne Rooney – 6/10
Started through the middle and looked sharper than he did against Tottenham. Played a couple of excellent through balls to Martial and Mkhitaryan, but his fellow attackers could not work the Saints stopper.
Substitutes
Michael Carrick – 6/10
Replaced Tuanzebe just a little after the hour mark. Gave United more control in the middle of the park.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
Came on for Mata in the 68th minute. Added a spark and liveliness at the top.
Ander Herrera – 6/10
Replaced Fellaini with fifteen minutes left. Brought in the energy to midfield.