Manchester United’s draw at Southampton certainly felt like two points dropped.
United let the momentum slip from an enthralling 5-1 victory over Leeds on the opening day, to just muster a 1-1 draw.
One of the big calls United made was his decision to change the front three, taking out Dan James and bringing in Anthony Martial up front, moving Mason Greenwood to the right.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw, Solskjaer admitted that it was in the forward positions where United disappointing him.
Solskjaer said: “We didn’t have enough penetration. We lacked maybe some runs in behind, that threat in behind which will create space for Paul [Pogba] and Bruno [Fernandes] in the middle. We’ll work on the training ground and get that sorted.”
Martial managed only 13 touches before he was taken off in the 58th minute.
The Frenchman did not offer the same type of movement Mason Greenwood provided against Leeds, or that Edinson Cavani typically provides on a weekly basis when he is available.
Problems deeper than just front three
While starting Martial was quite clearly an error, United had 32 minutes after he went off to score a winner.
United struggled to create clear cut chances, with Mason Greenwood heading the best effort over the bar.
The problems ran deeper than the front three being changed, with United’s midfield struggling and going through phases of the game where they were outmatched.
Donny van de Beek was once again overlooked and he will be wondering what needs to happen for him to get a chance.
United’s defence was also sloppy and were bailed out by David de Gea after a poor error from Harry Maguire.
The best opportunities came largely from set pieces, and while United created enough to win the game, poor finishing let them down.
Better movement up front can of course help make life easier for United’s midfield players, as Solskjaer suggests. And so expect Mason Greenwood or Edinson Cavani to start up front against Wolves rather than Martial.
But there was so much which went wrong against Southampton and United’s players need to take a close look at themselves and each look at where they can improve – as should Solskjaer.
By simply not sticking with the same front three which beat Leeds, United may have blown two points.
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