Manchester United missed the opportunity to climb to third as a late, late leveller from Michael Obafemi meant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side failed to capitalise on defeats for Leicester and Chelsea and were held to a draw by Ralph Hassenhuttl’s impressive Southampton side.
The Reds ended the game with ten men after substitute Brandon Williams cut his head open leaving a left-back problem for Solskjaer on Thursday.
On a night when United failed to fire, here is how we rated the Reds in our penultimate home game of the season. With fifth spot not now good enough, it’s top four or bust for United now but it’s still in our hands. This is going to the last day and I’m not sure I can bear it.
David de Gea – 7
Had little to do but produced a stunning save from Nathan Redmond as the clock ticked down and United 2-1 ahead. It was a save that looked to have won the game for United until the late drama. De Gea was blameless for both goals on his 400th appearance for the club but will feel let down by his defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
A little clumsy at times which was typified by a booking. Had a poor game by his standards against Villa and struggled here again – the effects of a long season catching up with him? Never got going and could do with a breather – if it wasn’t for that the alternative is Diogo Dalot.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Grew into the game after struggling against the energy and industry of a good Southampton attack. Made a couple of vital interceptions but lost Obafemi for the goal. Won a lot in the air and did a lot of good work but always has a mistake in him.
Harry Maguire – 6
Vocal and combative as usual, Maguire made a great interception late in the first half and gave the referee an earful after several crunching Southampton challenges and did well against the press. Solid if unspectacular.
Luke Shaw – 7
Shaw was his usual bundle of energy against his former side and set up Rashford for a goal that was flagged offside. The most impressive of the back four until he had to go off with a nasty looking ankle injury. Adventurous and combative, Shaw has been an ever present throughout United’s unbeaten run and will hopefully be OK.
Nemanja Matic – 5
Like AWB, Matic has been very impressive but looked leggy here. Matic was off against Villa and struggled against Southampton’s energy. His distribution was poor and the Serbian could do with a breather at Selhurst Park. Didn’t click for him.
Paul Pogba – 4
Pogba’s poorest day at the office since the restart. Slow, sluggish and caught in possession by Danny Ings for the opener. Pogba was involved in the build up to the opener but that should not detract from a very below par performance. Got taken off but he’s allowed a bad game once in a while.
Mason Greenwood – 5
Got little change out of Ryan Bertrand in his worst game for a while. Got kicked around a lot, notably by Oriol Romeu who was fortunate to escape censure for a crude challenge on the United youngster. Didn’t quite happen for the wonderkid.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Below par, Fernandes effort and commitment to the cause cannot be questioned. At times he perhaps looked worse than he actually was given the fact he tried things that didn’t come off. A quiet night but still got the assist for the Martial goal.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Scored twice – one that was disallowed, another that wasn’t. Should have scored again in a miss that came back to haunt us. His movement and link up play was good, and he looks much sharper now. Flashed a decent effort just wide.
Anthony Martial – 8
Missed a great chance at 0-0 but that was the only thing he did wrong. Got an assist and another screamer – it’s becoming a regular occurrence now. There was a swashbuckling solo run in the second half and you could tell the Saints defence were scared of him. Another great performance from a man in contention for United’s player of the season.
Subs
Fred – for Pogba 63′ – 6
Hasn’t played much since the restart but offered energy and used the ball well. In contention to start at Palace given the struggles of Matic.
Brandon Williams – for Shaw 75′ – 6
Did OK having come on but then went off again injured after a nasty clash of heads. With both Shaw and Williams in the wars, United could have a problem at left-back with Palace on the horizon. Was unable to be replaced as the five subs have to made in blocks but United had already had their allocated slots meaning we had to finish with ten.
Scott McTominay – for Fernandes 84′ – N/A
Brought on to help United see the game out but had little time.
Daniel James – for Greenwood 84′ – N/A
No rating
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (manager) – 6
United looked a bit leggy but I had no problem with the team selection in a “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it mantra”. Nothing he really did wrong but United perhaps dropped too deep and paid the price. Could have gone third with a win but our fate is still in our own hands.
READ MORE: Photos: Blood gushes down from Brandon Williams’ face after nasty head collision
