Manchester United managed to salvage a point against a resilient Southampton side, despite Casemiro’s early red card. The match, held at Old Trafford, ended in a goalless draw. United had returned to Premier League action for the first time since their crushing defeat at the hands of rivals Liverpool, and Erik ten Hag had emphasized the need for the team to perform at their best.
The Red Devils had shown character by bouncing back from the loss to Liverpool to beat Real Betis on Thursday. They again displayed strength to hold Southampton to a draw after Casemiro’s second red card of the season, according to Live Score.
Casemiro sees his second red card of the season ???? pic.twitter.com/emtg15A52j
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 12, 2023
In the 34th minute, Brazil international Casemiro was sent off after referee Anthony Taylor reviewed a challenge on Carlos Alcaraz on the pitchside monitor following VAR’s advice. United felt hard done by the decision, as they did when their penalty appeals were turned down before the half-time whistle.
Despite being at the bottom of the league table, Southampton produced an impressive performance. They pressed United well from the outset and looked solid until Bruno Fernandes unlocked their backline in the 16th minute, putting Marcus Rashford through to get a low shot that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu saved well to his left.
Both David De Gea and Bazunu produced outstanding saves throughout the game, including the latter tipping a Fernandes shot onto the post before Kyle Walker-Peters hit the woodwork at the other end. Saints’ Aaron Wan-Bissaka also cleared a shot off the line shortly after the break, and James Ward-Prowse saw a free-kick graze the bar.
United battled hard for a point, representing a positive start to a key week as Ruben Selles’ Saints fight for survival. Kamaldeen Sulemana was denied by a Raphael Varane block as United were made uncomfortable before the red card.
Despite the break taking the sting out of the Old Trafford fury, Southampton continued to threaten from dead balls and open play, with De Gea pulling off a second big save in the 64th minute. The visitors had further chances, while United’s Rashford saw penalty appeals rejected, and Alejandro Garnacho writhed in pain after a challenge by Walker-Peters in the box.
In summary, United showed impressive character to bounce back after their defeat by Liverpool, but it was a hard-fought match that Southampton belied their position at the bottom of the league table. Despite being reduced to 10 men early on, United held on to earn a point, while Southampton will rue the missed chances that could have earned them all three points.
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