I have lost count of the number of times when writing this blog, when I have frustratingly commented that United had once again missed opportunities to climb up to the top 4. Yesterday we had all hoped that it would be different. After all, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had named an unchanged side for a fifth consecutive Premier League match against a Southampton side lying 12th and that had lost more matches (26) and conceded more goals (82) versus Manchester United than they have against any other side in Premier League history.
In the end, once again, it was not to be. Anthony Martial did score his 50th goal for United. However he could have easily scored a hat-trick and put the game to bed. In the end, with United down to 10 men due to a Brandon Williams’ injury, the Saints equalized deep in stoppage time, Michael Obafemi earning Southampton a 2-2 draw.
My Man of the Match award would go to Anthony Martial. Although he squandered a one-on-one at 0-0 he atoned with an assist and another stunning goal. He embarked on a virtuoso second-half run from the United half only to put the shot over the bar. However, a good overall performance.
As things stand, although United are now unbeaten in 18 games across all competitions, equaling the record in March 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson, United still lie in 5th position, below Leicester City on goal difference. The 20-time English champions will take on Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Leicester City in their final three league games of the season, while they also have an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on July 19 and will resume their Europa League campaign at the start of next month.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.