3 reasons why Manchester United drew 2-2 to Southampton

Southampton and Manchester United played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at St. Mary's on Saturday in a game that saw four goals in the space of 26 first-half minutes.Both managers went into the game desperate for points and while Mark Hughes would be the happier of the two, Jose Mourinho cut a frustrated figure once again as his side dropped two points against a relegation-threatened outfit.Despite the fact that Southampton were struggling for goals, they began proceedings with two stunners from in-form Stuart Armstrong and Cedric Soares, who scored his first ever goal in his 100th appearance in the league.The game started at a pedestrian pace, with both sides looking to organize themselves and get a few passes going. However, the visitors saw the first chance going there way in the 4th minute when Alex McCarthy miskicked his clearance. Marcus Rashford helped it back in and the ball eventually fell to Romelu Lukaku, whose shot was smothered by the Southampton shot-stopper.Sadly for the Red Devils, that proved to be the only real chance of the game till the half an hour mark. On the back of some fine dribbling from Nathon Redmond and vision from young Michael Obafemi, the hosts drew first blood and deservedly, took the lead as Armstrong drilled his shot past David De Gea.Cedric then doubled his side's advantage through a sumptuous free-kick that once again, left De Gea with no chance whatsoever. United then showed their never-say-die attitude late in the first 45, as Lukaku and Herrera netted goals to put the Giants back on level terms.The second-half began slower than the first, with the away side hogging possession and claiming control but failing to move to the last third of the pitch with conviction. Fellaini scuffed a header wide from a free-kick - a chance that went begging.Redmond tried to wriggle past challenges and create something for the hosts, but lack of bodies in the box sucked Southampton's creativity out. The same man struck a fierce shot from over 35 yards out late on in the game and that was his team's best chance to take the lead.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg too directed a header wide in the 81st minute. Manchester United tried their level best to find a winner but was held by a packed defence. Apart from a couple of set-pieces, they barely threatened. As a result, they are now on 22 points from 14th place, already 16 behind the top of the table.Manchester United's last nine Premier League games:DLWDWWLDDWins: 3Scored: 14Conceded: 16Now 16 points behind Manchester City. 😳 pic.twitter.com/c6WJ6W5yCH— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 1, 2018Here are three reasons why Manchester United drew to Southampton.#3 Lapses in concentration early on the gameFellaini's challenge on Redmond was too loose when Southampton scored their firstNot for the first time this term, we saw Manchester United unsettled at the back. Right from the first whistle, they emphasized on getting to a new shape and stitching passes together. However, they were made to work harder by an energetic Southampton midfield led by Mario Lemina, who was almost everywhere on the pitch.Due to the slow circulation of the ball and lack of authoritativeness at the back, Mourinho's troops once again conceded two cheap goals. Take nothing away from the goals from Southampton - both of them were struck with venom, but on both occasions, the United back line had only themselves to blame.On the back of some well-crafted play, the Saints finally took the lead off Armstrong, who now has three goals in two games. Here, the United defence was too soft as the players stood still whilst Redmond dribbled from the right flank.The former Norwich City forward skipped past challenges and played it to Obafemi, who held it up safely and played it through to an unmarked Armstrong.If Matic's position is viewed closely, the Serbian was at the far post all this while. Neither did he close down Armstrong, nor did he mark him while the ball was played. He just stood still and switched off.Now, coming to Shaw and Fellaini. The former let Redmond run on the inside with aplomb and the Belgian, who's substantial frame stood right in front of the dribbler, failed to snatch the ball and clear it.For the second, Marcus Rashford, who is still developing many aspects of his game, ridiculously conceded a dangerous foul at the edge of the box. Eventually, it was dispatched by Cedric.Thus, due to reckless defending, indecisive moments and lapse in concentration, Manchester United again found themselves in no man's land - a situation that led to their nemesis once again.

3 reasons why Manchester United drew 2-2 to Southampton

#1 Poor team selection by Jose Mourinho