Southampton 1-1 Man United: 5 Talking Points as Solskjaer’s Red Devils drop two points | Premier League 2019/20

Manchester United were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by 10-man Southampton. 

Southampton were able to hold Manchester United despite playing with 10-man in the second half. The Red Devils dominated the majority parts of the game but failed to produce the goods in the final third. Daniel James’ thunderstrike was cancelled out by Jannick Vestergaard’s header in the second half.

The visitors started the game on a high and got the much-deserved lead through their youngster Daniel James in the 10th minute. When the Welsh International was provided with space, he fully exploited it and found the back of the net. There were no chances for both sides until the half-time whistle.

The Saints were on a high ante upon the second half kick-off. They kept banging on the door of David De Gea, who finally collapsed when Jannick Vestergaard scored a header in the 58th minute. Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced some good deliveries inside the penalty box, which remained unconverted. Kevin Danso was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 70th minute.

Solskjaer was visibly frustrated with this result, while Ralph Hassenhuttl was jubilant with the comeback.

We shall look at the five talking points as Southampton hold Manchester United 1-1.

#1 Paul Pogba must operate as #10 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is adopting Paul Pogba as a defensive midfielder, but the Frenchman has shown his proficiency in the central attacking midfield position.

There were many instances of Pogba’s geniuses when he plays behind the front three. The 26-year-old made a bursting run from the midfield and passed the ball to Jesse Lingard. The English International failed to produce the revert pass to Pogba once again. Apart from this moment, the Red Devils midfield looked bright in the offensive areas of the pitch.

He also gave away cheap possessions in the midfield department, but Solskjaer is failing to use his strengths. With a spine-tingling eye to pick out passes and score long-rangers, former Juventus midfielder is not getting deployed in the correct position.

When the Red Devils were tearing opponent’s defence last season under Solskjaer, Pogba played as a number 10. This enhanced the overall output of the attackers and the number was getting swelled. Thankfully, the Norwegian has an international break to come away with a strategy.