Things we noticed against Southampton

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:55

Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw against Southampton at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag's men fighting to claim a point, despite playing most of the game with 10 men.

Casemiro's first-half dismissal meant Ten Hag had to reassess his initial tactical plan against the Saints, but despite that, United went on to create some big chances in the second period.

David De Gea also made some huge saves at the other end, in the encounter, with honours even at the final whistle in M16.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's landmark day, Casemiro's sending off and a gritty showing are among the topics we've picked out following our latest outing, that was full of talking points...

United 0 Southampton 0

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The Reds are held to a home draw in the Premier League after being reduced to 10 men in the first half.

CENTURY UP FOR AARON

Aaron Wan-Bissaka reached 100 Premier League appearances for the Reds against the Saints, with the right-back returning to the starting XI, potentially as a reward for his strong second-half showing against Real Betis in midweek. Providing competition for fellow defender Diogo Dalot on the right-hand side of our defence, Aaron's performance once again this afternoon was as impressive, offering solid defensive work and an extra attacking threat in support of winger Antony.

CASEMIRO'S SUSPENSION

The Brazilian was dismissed in the first half following a VAR intervention that saw his initial yellow card overturned into a red, after a challenge on Carlos Alcaraz, with our no.18 now set to miss the next four matches for United. His disappointment was clear for all to see as he left the field at Old Trafford, with team-mates - including Antony and Lisandro Martinez - consoling our midfield enforcer just moments after.

WOUT SACRIFICED

Wout Weghorst was the player to be brought off early by Ten Hag following Casemiro's suspension, as Scott McTominay was introduced to reassert some control in midfield. Our no.27 received an audible applause as he left the field, having been ecstatic to net his first goal at Old Trafford in midweek. It was a much-needed change however, in order to add another body back into the middle of the park for the remaining hour or so of the encounter.

HUGE SAVES FROM DE GEA

Fresh off the back of claiming the Premier League's Save of the Month for February, David's shot-stopping ability was evident once more, against the Saints this afternoon. Having impressively denied Theo Walcott either side of half-time, our no.1 continued to prove his weight in gold in between the sticks for United. It's another clean sheet all the more for the Spaniard, as he notched his 11th shutout of the Premier League season so far.

Which games will Casemiro miss?

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The Brazilian will have to serve a suspension following his red card against Southampton.

BATTLING DISPLAY

Having been under the cosh for most of the second period, the boss will be pleased regarding the togetherness and spirit the Reds showed to grind out one of our hardest-earned points of the season so far. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were excellent in organising the backline to thwart any Southampton advances late on, as the visitors continued to mount serious pressure heading into the final stages. Although three points are always the aim, come the end of the campaign, some may look back on this as a vital point gained, all in all.

UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES

Extending our unbeaten home run to 21 games, our impressive streak on home soil goes on. With our final home action of the month against Fulham in the FA Cup coming up seven days' time, Ten Hag will be keen for his side to safely advance into the next round of another cup competition, as we eye further success following our Carabao Cup triumph last month.

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