Manchester United 2-2 Southampton - 5 Talking points as Red Devils slip-up in top-four race | Premier League 2019-20

Manchester United conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against Southampton in the Premier League on Monday, as the Red Devils failed to capitalize on defeats suffered by Chelsea and Leicester City. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men seemed to be in perfect shape to come away with three points, but a spirited display from the visitors ensured the points were shared at Old Trafford in a 2-2 draw.

Southampton took an early lead through Stuart Armstrong in the 12th minute, but Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial scored within the space of just three minutes to put Manchester United ahead by the 23rd minute. After chasing the game for the majority of the time, the Saints were duly rewarded in the 96th minute, when substitute Michael Obafemi salvaged a late point from a corner.

Without further delay, let's take a closer look at the major talking points from the game:

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#1 Saints' heavy metal football rocked Manchester United early on

Armstrong (R) netted his second goal since the restart

Southampton were quick to get off their blocks against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and they were determined and hungry to come away with something from the get-go. The visitors stayed true to Ralph Hasenhuttl's high-press strategy, as they chased down the ball with terrier-like persistence, whenever they lost it.

There were as many as five players lurking around the Manchester United penalty area in the opening exchanges to disrupt the hosts' plans to play out from the back. Eventually, the Saints made their breakthrough in the 12th minute, when Paul Pogba was robbed by Danny Ings, who played Nathan Redmond through for the Englishman to find Stuart Armstrong with a cross.

The midfielder took a touch to bring the ball down and quickly found the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead. A goal derived from their sheer determination on display.

#2 Martial maintains red-hot streak for Manchester United, but to no avail

Martial netted his 21st goal of the season

Anthony Martial was the orchestrator-in-chief for Manchester United in the first half, where they looked like a formidable force while going forward. The Frenchman laid off a pass for Marcus Rashford to score in the 20th minute, and just three minutes later, he was on the score sheet with a brilliant individual effort.

Martial scored his 21st goal in all competitions when he burst inside from the left and hammered a shot past Alex McCarthy, who could do nothing to prevent a remarkable turnaround in three minutes' time.

Although he could not help Manchester United secure maximum points, Martial did become the first player since Wayne Rooney in 2008 to score 50 league goals for the club. The 24-year-old has netted eight goals in his last 10 appearances for Manchester United as well. But he might be thinking of that early miss, where he failed to beat McCarthy in a one-on-one situation. Perhaps, the story would have been different if it had gone in.

#3 Romeu escapes punishment for dangerous tackle on Manchester United's Greenwood

Romeu (R) was lucky to stay on the pitch

Arguably, the biggest talking point of the game came towards the end of the first half, when Manchester United were holding a 2-1 lead over Southampton. Oriol Romeu left a nasty tackle on Mason Greenwood, who writhed in pain as the referee waved play on for the hosts.

It was clear the referee did not pay enough attention to the incident, but replays clearly suggested Romeu left his studs on Greenwood. VAR did not deem the foul to be malicious and has yet again come under scrutiny for the decision, especially since the ball was nowhere in the picture during Romeu's late lunge on Manchester United's starlet.

The result could have been different if Southampton were reduced to 10-men in the first half but instead, Romeu breathed a sigh of relief and escaped marching orders. With several decisions irking the ire of supporters and managers over the course of the ongoing season, VAR has certainly gone through a baptism of fire in the Premier League.

#4 Southampton can dare to dream under Hasenhuttl

Hasenhuttl has done a commendable job

The Saints have been excellent since the resumption of the Premier League last month, and have utilized the coronavirus-enforced break to come out stronger as a unit. Ralph Hasenhuttl has done a commendable job with the club, who have come a long way from their dark days early on in the season.

They struggled initially and suffered that catastrophic 9-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City in autumn. However, Southampton have looked a completely different outfit since the restart. They have lost just once in five games since the league resumed last month and are currently in 12th place, behind Everton only on goal difference.

The Saints have also enjoyed a remarkable run of form away from home this term, where they have shared points with Arsenal and Manchester United. They have also beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Furthermore, their recent win over Manchester City proves the club can aim for a top-half finish next season and maybe even push for Europa League qualification under the 'Klopp from the Alps'.

#5 Manchester United's slip blows top-four race wide open

United continue to remain fifth after the result

Manchester United were handed a glorious opportunity to steal a march on their fellow top-four aspirants, after the defeats suffered by both Chelsea and Leicester City. However, the Red Devils failed yet again to make the most of their competitors slipping up, following the draw against Southampton.

A win would have swiftly helped them to third place. But the result now means they remain fifth behind Leicester, who also have 59 points but boast a slightly better goal difference. Chelsea were the biggest winners in the race for top-four, as they retained third place, even after succumbing to a 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

Manchester United face Crystal Palace away from home on Thursday. Solskjaer's men play their remaining two league games against West Ham United and Leicester, respectively, following their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday.

Even though there was no real competition for Liverpool in the title race, slip-ups and shortcomings have contributed to the several mix-ups in the race for top-four. Safe to say, we'll have to wait until the final day of the season to decide who makes the cut in the end.