After Chelsea and Leicester were both thrashed at the weekend, a rare simultaneous event. Manchester United were beyond all reasonable doubt deemed to savage the opportunity presented on a platter of gold to step into the much anticipated Champions League spot subject a win against Southampton who are 12th placed.
Two goals in 23 minutes of first-half to stage a comeback and put themselves in command proved the point that the Red Devils have been ruthless since the restart of Premier League, winning all but the one encounter with Tottenham Hotspur which ended in draw.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were enough for United to edge the Saints to a favourable result before half time.
Southampton kicked off the game with huge intensity and were beneficiary of the high pressing strategy when it put them in front 12 minutes into the game through Stuart Armstrong after Nathan Redmond direct the ball to his path for a fine finish.
The host found solace afterwards from Marcus Rashford low drive after a relentless Anthony Martial managed to pull a connection to the England International.
Martial then registered his 50th Premier League goal after sending a fierce shot into McCarthy’s goalpost in 23 minutes to earn United a 2-1 lead before half time.
The score remained fixed and satisfied United were only waiting for the final whistle blast to ascertain their 2-1 victory when Michael Obafemi struck a deep stoppage time last-gasp to help Southampton force a draw.
Jan Bednarek rose high to collect James Ward-Prowse’s corner but instead, channeled it quickly to Michael Obafemi who thrust the ball into helpless De Gea’s net.
The result inflicts a blow to Manchester United Champions League berth ambitions and leaves them in the same fifth position they were before the game. They however are on tie with fourth placed Leicester on 59 points and one point behind third placed Chelsea.
United will hope to reignite their pursuit when they play away to Crystal Palace on Thursday June 16 at the Selhurst Park Stadium.
