Manchester United were unable to return to winning ways in the Premier League as the 10-man Red Devils were held by bottom club Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday
Erik ten Hag had a frustrating afternoon as he watched his Manchester United side limp to a goalless draw at home to Southampton.
Despite a comfortable Europa League victory in midweek, United were unable to bounce back from their 7-0 mauling at Liverpool in the league. The Red Devils rarely threatened the Southampton goal and had to weather multiple dangerous attacks from the visitors both before and after Casemiro was shown a straight red card.
10-man Manchester United were held by Southampton (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Following the match, here are two things Ten Hag got wrong as well as one decision the Dutch boss got right.
Recalling Wan-Bissaka
Erik ten Hag was frustrated by the result (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was brought back into the starting line-up in place of Diogo Dalot, who had started both the 7-0 loss to Liverpool and the midweek win over Real Betis.
The English full-back’s explosive pace nullified the visitors’ threat down his flank. He also proved a threat going forward by supporting Antony when United attacked on the right-hand side.
United had Wan-Bissaka to thank for keeping the match goalless in the second half, after he cleared a Saints effort off the line.
Failing to control Casemiro
Casemiro was sent off following a VAR review (Image: PA)
Casemiro will miss four matches after being sent off in the league for the second time this season.
Ten Hag has failed to control the Brazilian’s aggression since his previous dismissal, having only returned from suspension last weekend.
Following a VAR review, Casemiro was shown a straight red card for a reckless over-the-top challenge on Carlos Alcaraz. His dismissal also forced Ten Hag to reshuffle his side to cope with losing a midfielder.
Attacking line-up
Bruno Fernandes and the rest of the attacking talent in the Manchester United side failed to score (Image: Getty Images)
Ten Hag’s decision to name an attacking line-up failed to pay off as United appeared to lack any threat against the Premier League’s bottom club.
Wout Weghorst, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes were all included from the start. However, despite the options available to them, United did little to threaten Gavin Bazunu’s goal and struggled to create chances.
Casemiro’s sending off added to their woes, with Weghorst making way for Scott McTominay and Sancho moving into an unfamiliar false nine role before he later swapped with Rashford.
Source: dailystar.co.uk
