Manchester United Che Adams’ strike earned a first-half lead for the third game in a row southampton It was 1-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday. Jadon Sancho’s first Premier League goal at home rewarded a bright start from Ralph Rangnik’s men. Yet the Red Devils again failed to extend their lead and were penalized when Adams slipped from inside the post two minutes into the second half. One point is tied at the level with West Ham in fourth place. But Arsenal are just one point behind with two games left, while Tottenham have played three less games and are four points behind.
Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled by Rangnik on Tuesday after being dropped on the bench in a 1-1 draw at Burnley’s bottom rung.
This was followed by FA Cup Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties after the score was level at 1–1 after extra time.
Rangnik faced further leaks to the press this week that United players are unhappy with his coaching techniques.
But the focus of criticism is falling on a poorly performing group of star players, who are at risk of being out of play in next season’s Champions League.
Ronaldo’s longest goalscoring drought for 12 years extends to the sixth game, though it is likely he will hope to bury.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s best sight of goal began when he scored Fraser Forster, but didn’t find enough power to beat Romain Perad, who pulled out of the line.
Sancho was just a short distance away United’s best performer of the day and ended his long wait for a Premier League goal at Old Trafford since his £73m move from Borussia Dortmund.
A pass from Bruno Fernandes freed Marcus Rashford from the right and his low cross was swung to the back post by Sancho.
Southampton took United’s top four chances twice from behind to beat Tottenham 3–2 in midweek.
The Saints started slowly after their efforts on Wednesday but gave the hosts some warning before the break as David de Gea was forced to save from Stuart Armstrong and Perd.
United lost just two minutes into the second half at Burnley and were cold again at the start of the second period when Adams played in by Mohamed Elinoussi, who slipped away from the far post.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttle worked under Rangnik at RB Leipzig and could easily take an over on his patron as Armstrong twice fired wide with good places to go, before Diogo Dalot fired Armando Broja’s off the line. Attempt approved.
Foster at the other end also had to do his best to score a hat-trick of savings in quick succession to negate Harry Maguire, Ronaldo and Dalot.
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The Saints stopper saved his best for injury time when he swung Maguire’s header to his left.
Southampton, however, deserved their point as they made amends for their 9-0 loss at Old Trafford last season.
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