Manchester United failed to follow up the opening weekend victory over Leeds with another three points.
Sunday’s match with Southampton ended with a 1-1 draw, with United lacking a clinical edge in front of goal.
United lost control of the game for spells at the end of both halves after dominating each of them early on.
There was a stretch after the equaliser that the second goal seemed inevitable, and then United faded.
Expected Goals
Remarkably, United had more ‘Expected Goals’ against Southampton than in the performance against Leeds.
In the season opener at Old Trafford, United’s Expected Goals tally was 1.47 based on the quality of chances created.
Against Southampton, United’s Expected Goals figure was 1.53, per FotMob.
United scored five against Leeds and just one against Southampton.
This showed how United were simply far more clinical against Leeds, and while there were stretches against Southampton where we were outplayed, we created enough quality chances to win the game.
Mason Greenwood missed a free header inside the box after his equaliser which would have won the game.
Paul Pogba also headed over from a corner in the first half, while Anthony Martial had a header cleared off the line which he really should have done better with.
Outstanding versus Leeds
This also serves to highlight just how outstanding and ruthless United were in the 5-1 win over Leeds.
United were clinical and one of the differences in the two games was that three chances fell to Bruno Fernandes, and he netted all three.
Fernandes did not have a clear cut opportunity against Southampton to take advantage of, with most of United’s best chances coming from crosses and set pieces.
This was a game Edinson Cavani flourished in last season, and likely would have made the difference in this time had he been fit to play.
- 10 best Man Utd fan reactions to Shea Lacey’s first-half performance against Rosenborg, one feeling is clear
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
- Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
- Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham is puzzling after JJ Gabriel’s inclusion for Rosenborg
- There is one thing missing from the Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo combination
- Wayne Rooney thinks one World Cup moment proves why Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘best’ in crucial tactical area
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
