MAN UTD 2, SOUTHAMPTON 2
SUBSTITUTE Michael Obafemi’s last-gasp 96th minute equaliser for Southampton wrestled Manchester United’s Champions League destiny from their own hands.
Until 20-year-old Irishman Obafemi’s late leveller, United had climbed into third place knowing they were assured of a top-four spot if they won their remaining three Premier League matches.
Obafemi, who was only introduced in the 87th minute, ensured the Reds stay fifth, though only one point separates them, Chelsea and Leicester in what promises to be an epic battle for the two remaining European places.
Saints, who had beaten Manchester City a week last Sunday, again proved to be tricky opponents.
They took an early lead through Stuart Armstrong, but United hit back with goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to take control.
But Saints remained a danger and you had the feeling United needed a third goal, and so it proved when the visitors struck in the sixth of five added minutes which became nine through a lengthy stoppage after a clash of heads between substitute Brandon Williams and Kyle Walker-Peters.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was philosophical, saying: “It was the worst time to concede a goal, but it happens in football. We have won so many games in that way. It is all part of the learning for this team.
“You think you have three points in the bag but we probably didn’t deserve three points today. Southampton are good team, they run, and run and chase. We never got into our rhythm today. We played some fantastic football at times. The two goals we scored were very, very good.
“I don’t think tiredness the case. It was just one of those days we did not take our chances and they took theirs. David de Gea had one really good save, but apart from that we had the bigger chances, but you are not going to be given three points and Southampton are a very good side.
“We defended well until that corner. It is disappointing but that’s football. I know the feeling the other way as well.”
Saints’ manager Ralph Hasenhuttl praised his side: “If you stop being brave, stop being on the front foot then you have problems against one on one quality.
“It was a very strong start from my side. We scored and we were really aggressive. I had the feeling we had a little lack of physical quality at that moment, we were not quick enough. We were leaning back and it is human. You need the whole team to press.
“You give two chances away but then just before half time we got back to our game and then I could feel we were better in the game. We had good possession and good balance and had good chances in the second half. The guys really deserved the point I think.
“We developed our game with the ball extremely in the last few weeks. we are becoming braver. We are taking more risks. If you take more risks things can happen. We wanted to be brave, we have nothing to lose and we can play free. You can feel the guys really enjoy it at the moment.”
Why change a winning side as Solskjaer fielded the same starting line-up for the fifth match, the first time the Reds have achieved this since 1993.
The Reds, still unbeaten in 18 games and their best run since 2013, had the incentive of having their destiny in their own hands in pursuit of a Champions League place.
After Chelsea and Leicester lost this weekend, United had the chance to climb from fifth to third place.
Saints, however, were no pushovers as have now won three, drawn two and lost once since lockdown ended, including a notable home win against Manchester City.
And they have collected an impressive 28 points on the road, the fourth best away record in the Premier League.
There was one minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of England World Cup winner Jack Charlton who died at the weekend aged 85.
United would have taken a 10th minute lead but for a fine block by Saints’ goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
A slip by James Ward-Prowse allowed Marshall to burst through only to be denied by McCarthy who spread himself well.
And it was another error which led to Saints taking the lead two minutes later.
Paul Pogba was dispossessed by Danny Ings who released Nathan Redmond on the left.
Redmond’s cross found the unmarked Armstrong who was able to take a touch before rifling home his sixth goal of the season.
Rashford came to the rescue putting United back on level terms in the 20th minute with his 21st goal of the season.
Pogba’s cross was superbly flicked by Martial into the path of Rashford who drilled home a low shot.
And the comeback was completed three minutes later when Martial scored a super solo effort, his 21st of the season.
Pogba and Bruno Fernandes linked to release Martial who burst down the left, cut inside Kyle Walker-Peters and thundered an unstoppable shot high into the roof of the net, a spectacular 50th Premier League goal for the Reds.
Pogba then forced a decent diving save from McCarthy with a drive from 25 years as United, second best for 20 minutes, had suddenly cranked up several gears.
When Redmond dragged a shot narrowly wide soon after the restart, it emphasised the need for a third goal to provide an additional cushion.
Rashford had two decent chances to increase the lead, one was deflected for a corner, the second whistled into the side netting.
United made their first change mid-half when Pogba made way for Fred.
They were forced into a second substitution when Luke Shaw turned his ankle and was replaced by Williams.
Martial came close to a goal of the season contender after a weaving run but he was unable to finish, shooting over.
United brought on fresh legs for the last six minutes as Scott McTominay and Daniel James took over from Fernandes and Greenwood.
It was proving a nervy finish as Redmond came close to making it 2-2 when David De Gea, on his 400th appearance for the Reds, pulled off a brilliant stop.
Williams was forced off after a clash of heads with Kyle Walker-Peters left blood streaming from a wound. It left United to play the five added minutes with 10 men.
And they were made to pay for their numerical disadvantage when Obafemi struck at the death to provide another dramatic twist to this compelling battle for Champions League places.