Southampton 1-1 Man United: 3 talking points as Greenwood scores crucial equaliser | EPL 2021-22

Mason Greenwood, Fred and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United celebrating against Southampton
Mason Greenwood, Fred and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United celebrating against Southampton - IMAGO / PA Images

Manchester United managed to scrape a 1-1 draw against Southampton, with Mason Greenwood netting the equaliser in the second half of the match in the Premier League.

The Red Devils were put on the back foot from the off as they failed to control the tempo of the game.

Southampton found the breakthrough at the half-hour mark when Che Adams’s deflected strike rolled into the nets.

United looked positive after the break as Paul Pogba, and Mason Greenwood combined for the equaliser in the 55th minute.

The visitors’ momentum slowed down as the game entered the final quarter, and neither side managed to find the winning goal. Here are the three talking points from the draw.

Lethargic display from Manchester United

It wasn’t plain sailing for the Red Devils as it was against Leeds United last week, as they struggled to cope with the high pressure of Southampton. Furthermore, both the defence and midfield were sloppy on possessions, giving away the balls cheaply. Harry Maguire often looked vulnerable, and the midfield duo of Fred and Nemanja Matic wasn’t sturdy either. Scott McTominay could have added more value as a starter. Anthony Martial, who started in place of Danie James in the attack, was also wasteful with his chances.

Paul Pogba was once again the standout player

Paul Pogba was the only shining light in an otherwise dull-looking United side. The French midfielder built on his stellar display against Leeds last week by setting up Greenwood’s equaliser. He could have scored one for himself after taking on the Saints’ defence through slive moves before hitting his shot wide. It would be a big positive for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to have full-fledged Pogba by his side for this season.

David De Gea with an important save 

United’s momentum withered during the final quarter, and during one instance, they lost the ball in a dangerous position. Stuart Armstrong, who was left with 1vs1 against De Gea, failed to convert his strike as the Spaniard made a top-class save. Ralph Hasenhuttl was livid on the sideline, and he knew that was the opportunity for the Saints.