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Manchester United’s three worst players in 1-1 draw v Southampton

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It was a case of deja vu for Manchester United this lunchtime.

For the third game running, United again dominated the first half, going in at half-time ahead before getting pegged back in the second 45.

That is three 1-1 draws in a row – the first of which of course ended in FA Cup elimination on penalties too – and the momentum generated before the mini international break has been well and truly lost.

There were some poor individual displays too. Here is a look at United’s three worst players on another disappointing afternoon.

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League
Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Harry Maguire

Maguire found himself on this list after the 1-1 draw at Burnley but Rangnick said he remained confident in his captain when asked about him at his pre-match press conference.

The England international did not respond with a performance to match and Armando Broja in particular caused him trouble.

There was a moment late on which encapsulated the situation; Maguire was turned far too easily by the Chelsea loanee and was sent flying, and was fortunate it did not cost United dearer.

With Victor Lindelof now back and fully fit, Rangnick must surely be considering a change at the heart of his defence.

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Marcus Rashford

Rashford set up Jadon Sancho’s goal but that was by far the highlight of his afternoon as his influence faded as the game wore on.

Rashford and Sancho kept swapping wings and that can only have been for the former’s benefit because the latter was shining on the left and looking dangerous.

Rashford was replaced by Jesse Lingard with United chasing a winner, which tells its own story about how Rangnick viewed his contribution.

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League
Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo struggled to make an impact off the bench at Burnley and he was restored to the starting lineup in place of the injured Edinson Cavani here.

The tone for the afternoon was set when Ronaldo rounded Fraser Forster but then failed to show his trademark composure and ruthlessness and his shot was cleared off the line.

Ronaldo looked hesitant at times, not getting his shots away, and two goals were ruled out because the Portuguese superstar was offside in the buildup.

United do also need to get Ronaldo better service and it was clear to see that the shape of the team went off kilter at 1-1.