Premier League: Man United held at home
Manchester United 0 - 0 Southampton
Manchester United suffered a frustrating 0-0 draw against Southampton at Old Trafford, after Casemiro was sent off in the first half.
The Brazilian midfielder was given his marching orders for a challenge on Carlos Alcaraz. Referee Anthony Taylor initially held up a yellow card, before a VAR check persuaded him it was serious foul play.
The home side's best chance of the game fell to Bruno Fernandes. His curling effort forced Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to make a great save to force it onto the post.
United Review: Reds held against Southampton
David De Gea’s heroics helped to keep the game goalless. He first denied Theo Walcott in the first half with an incredible reflex save from close range.
United started off with a series of quick counterattacks. The best of those came when Antony tried to find the run of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but the right-back’s cross was easily dealt with by the opposition defence.
The away side managed to create many chances
In response to some pressure from United, the away side came forward to create their best opportunity of the half.
After a number of missed opportunities to take a shot at David De Gea’s goal, United’s clearance fell to left-back Romain Perraud, who fired a cross into the path of Theo Walcott. His thunderous header forced De Gea to make a world-class reflex save to force the ball over the crossbar and keep the deadlock intact. More Southampton news>>>
The dramatic moment that changed the game
The game took a dramatic turn when Casemiro was sent off for a challenge on Carlos Alcaraz. The Brazilian midfielder put in a strong tackle on the Argentinian, with referee Anthony Taylor initially showing a yellow card. But after checking with VAR, the referee changed his decision and produced the red card to put United down to 10 men. This means that Casemiro will miss the next four games.
What did you think of the decision?
Dermot Gallagher says Casemiro's red card was the CORRECT decision by the referee ✅ pic.twitter.com/O53yK2GXnQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2023
United responded positively to the dismissal, with Fernandes sending in a wonderful free-kick to the back post into the path of Raphael Varane, but the defender’s shot was saved well by Bazunu.
More controversy
There was further controversy when Rashford’s cross was blocked by Armel Bella-Kotchap’s arm in the area, but Anthony Taylor decided the active limb was in a natural position and declined to award the Reds a penalty.
Dermot Gallagher on the handball incident. @SkySportsPL 🔴 pic.twitter.com/X8N8yj9Sk1
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) March 13, 2023
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket Holder, told us: "I thought that was a definite penalty. The referee gave us nothing on Sunday."
Sophie agreed with that. She asked "How was that not a penalty?
The away side fail to take advantage. Were they happy with a point?
Southampton tried to take advantage of having the extra man and nearly made United pay for it. Kyle Walker-Peters got the better of Marcus Rashford on the right wing, made his way into the area and whipped a cross into the middle. Reds substitute Scott McTominay tried to steer the ball out past the post, but instead, it could have resulted in an own goal had it not been for Aaron Wan-Bissaka's clearance.
The Saints kept knocking at the door to open the scoring. Breaking away from a United corner, Theo Walcott found himself one-on-one with David De Gea. Howeverm the ex-England winger tried to fire a shot over the Spaniard and De Gea produced another brilliant save to keep the game level.
CHANCE! Walcott with a header but De Gea produces a great save #mufc #MUNSOU https://t.co/vwe4jshAjq
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) March 12, 2023
A great save ultimately earns Southampton a point
United looked to have finally broken the deadlock when Shaw managed to get the better of the Southampton defence, and found Bruno Fernandes in a good amount of space. The Portuguese midfielder took one touch to get the ball onto his preferred right foot and fired a great strike towards goal, but Bazunu’s slight touch was enough to force the shot onto the post and out for a corner.
Meanwhile, Walker-Peters managed to fire a left-footed effort towards the United goal, which also resulted in the ball hitting the post.
United tried to find the winner in the closing minutes. Facundo Pellistri, who made a big impact on Thursday night against Real Betis, managed to squeeze a great pass to Wan-Bissaka on the right wing. The right-back managed to fire in a low cross aiming for Marcus Rashford, but the Saints defence were quick to react.
What did the Southampton fans think?
Stew Smith commented on YouTube: "Before the game, I think every Saints fan would have taken a point. This was a much better performance. Hopefully, we can keep playing like this and start to grab points by getting the ball in the net."
Jimmy, another Saints fan, added: "A decent draw for us. However, I think we should have gone for it a lot more after United had a player sent off."
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