MAN UTD 0, SOUTHAMPTON 0
Manchester United proved they can handle adversity as their 10 men ground out a point at home to Southampton.
The Reds, whose fight had been questioned after the 7-0 loss at Liverpool one week earlier, had to play more than half the match one player short after Casemiro’s second dismissal of the season.
But Erik ten Hag’s side battled for a share of the spoils and will view it as one point gained in their quest for a top-four place as opposed to dropping two.
Saints, who remain bottom, had the better chances as they twice struck the United woodwork, David De Gea pulled off two huge saves and Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a goalline clearance.
Yet the Reds might have also snatched victory as Bruno Fernandes’ goalbound effort was turned on to the inside of the upright by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu’s fingertips while they also had a couple of strong shouts for penalties.
Ten Hag questioned the inconsistency of referees as he did not rule out appealing the sending off.
Embed from Getty Images“Casemiro is tough, but fair. He has played over 500 games in Europe’s top league and has never been sent off but has been two red cards in the Premier League,” he said.
“Everyone who knows something about football knows when you freeze it, it looks bad. And anyone talking about football knows what is bad and what is not bad.”
Ten Hag thought his side could also have been awarded two penalties, saying the open for handball was “clear and obvious”.
There was praise as Ten Hag explained: “This team showed big spirit, fighting spirit with 11 and 10 and played at a really good level.
“We played in the week, they didn’t. All over the pitch performances were quite well and we are disappointed we only collected one point.”
De Gea admitted Casemiro’s sending off was a pivotal moment, saying: “I think Casemiro was unlucky. He tried to touch the ball and his foot came up high. I think the referees need to show more consistency. Sometimes they show a red card and sometimes they don’t.
“It’s going to be tough, he’s a big player. We will miss him for four games, but we have a big squad. We have players coming from the bench who do well. We will keep working hard.”
De Gea added United “showed good spirit” after Casemiro’s dismissal.
Southampton manager Ruben Selles was disappointed with the point but happy with the performance.
“There is still a long way to go, but if we play like that, we will be alright,” he said.
Ten Hag made two changes to the side which beat Real Betis in the Europa League.
Wan-Bissaka replaced Diogo Dalot at right-back while Fred dropped to the bench and in came Jadon Sancho.
There was one change to the Saints side which beat Leicester City in their last Premier League game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was not in the squad as he was replaced by Romain Perraud.
United wore black armbands following the death of fan representative Ian Stirling at the age of 57.
Stirling was the Independent Supporter Liaison Officer for Manchester United Supporters’ Trust.
Marcus Rashford had an early chance but shot weakly at Bazunu.
Saints would have snatched a 24th minute goal but for a brilliant save from De Gea to somehow turn over Theo Walcott’s bullet header following a cross by Romain Perraud.
United’s hopes of victory were dealt a blow when Casemiro was sent off for a challenge of Carlos Alcaraz.
Referee Anthony Taylor initially produced a yellow card but was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR official Andre Marriner after which he overturned the original decision.
Television replays showed while the Brazilian got the ball he followed through and caught Alcaraz on his shin.
Casemiro left the pitch distraught as the challenge was clearly not with malice but one you cannot make in today’s climate as he faces a third suspension in seven weeks for two dismissals and four games out.
James Ward-Prowse’s free kick deflected off the defensive wall and flashed narrowly wide of the upright.
United had the chance to take the lead when Raphael Varane got on the end of Fernandes’ free kick, but Bazunu deflected his effort for a corner.
Ten Hag’s response was to bring on Scott McTominay for Wout Weghorst in the last minute of the half.
Saints would have taken the lead soon after the restart when McTominay deflected Walker-Peters cross which beat De Gea and was heading for the goal until Wan-Bissaka cleared off the line.
There was another let-off for United when James Ward-Prowse’s free kick, following a foul by Fernandes, clipped the top of the bar with De Gea beaten.
Saints had another huge chance when Theo Walcott broke clear from halfway pursued by Lisandro Martinez with De Gea pulling off another huge save.
Fernandes thought he had given United a 68th minute lead only for Bazunu to deflect his effort on to the inside of the upright.
Moments later and Walker-Peters’ drive struck the far upright as the game exploded to life.
United made two further changes with 17 minutes later as Sancho and Antony were replaced by Alejando Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri.
Ten Hag made two final changes in the 90th minute as Martinez and Garnacho, who had been hurt minutes before, were replaced by Harry Maguire and Fred to hold on to the point.