At Old Trafford, Manchester United and Southampton played an exhilarating match that resulted in a scoreless draw, with the added element of Casemiro’s expulsion during the first half.
Manchester United Draw with Southampton Amid Controversy
In a tense and exciting Premier League encounter, Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Southampton at Old Trafford. The match was not without controversy, with United midfielder Casemiro being shown a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Carlos Alcaraz in the 34th minute. United were also aggrieved by several penalty appeals that were turned down during the game.
Southampton put in a spirited performance and came close to scoring on several occasions, hitting the woodwork twice and having an effort cleared off the line. United’s Bruno Fernandes also came close, smashing the post with a powerful shot. Both goalkeepers, David de Gea for United and Gavin Bazunu for Southampton, produced outstanding saves to keep the game scoreless.
Southampton’s draw was vital as they are currently bottom of the table and two points from 17th place. United, on the other hand, failed to strengthen their grip on third place and now sit just two points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham, who they have a game in hand on.
Controversial Red Card for Casemiro
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was critical of the refereeing decisions during the game. He pointed out that Casemiro had been shown his second red card of the season, despite playing over 500 games in Europe without being sent off. He also claimed that United should have been awarded a penalty, but that VAR did not intervene.
Southampton boss Ruben Selles was pleased with his team’s performance and praised their identity and principles. Although he was not happy with the point, he was pleased with the way the team worked together and fought for a result.
United had returned to Premier League action for the first time since their historic 7-0 loss to Liverpool the previous Sunday. However, they were buoyed by their Europa League bounce-back win over Real Betis, and they came close to scoring early in the game when Marcus Rashford had a low shot saved by Bazunu. The goalkeeper then denied Rashford again moments later.
De Gea produced a brilliant save to tip over Theo Walcott’s close-range bullet header, and the game was evenly balanced until Casemiro’s red card. After the sending off, United were reduced to ten men, and their frustration grew as they had several penalty appeals turned down.
Despite being down to ten men, United defended well and held on for a point. They needed a fantastic goal-line clearance from Aaron Wan-Bissaka early in the second half to keep it scoreless, and both teams had chances to score in a pulsating draw.
Late Injury Blow for United
There was a late injury blow for United as substitute Alejandro Garnacho left Old Trafford on crutches after being brought off following a challenge by Kyle Walker-Peters. Ten Hag confirmed that Garnacho had twisted his ankle and that he did not want to take any risks.
In conclusion, the match between Manchester United and Southampton was a tense and exciting encounter that was marred by controversy. United’s Casemiro was sent off for a studs-up tackle, and United were aggrieved by several penalty appeals that were turned down. Despite this, both teams put in spirited performances, and the game ended in a goalless draw.