Charlie Austin scored on debut to secure Southampton a 1-0 win at Old Trafford last night, in-turn now making Manchester United’s quest for Champions League football next season all the more difficult.
Chances came sporadically, with Sadio Mané missing the best in the first-half when he was unable to control a delicately chipped through ball from Dusan Tadić. At the other end of the park, some clever interplay between the United forwards saw the ball fall agonisingly close to the feet of Anthony Martial inside the area.
In the end a pinpoint free-kick delivery from James Ward-Prowse found an unmarked Austin, who took his chance well and headed home to see Ronald Koeman’s side take three points.
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United lacking up front
The home side managed just one shot on target for the match, a stinging drive from well outside the area off of the boot of Daley Blind, that Fraser Forster gathered comfortably into his midriff. The typically marauding United forwards have all turned into tame, easily handled opposition players that lacked any conviction or confidence in the attacking third. Jesse Lingard was the only recognised wide player in the squad and he spent much of his time operating as a second right-back and very little running at his direct opponent.
Much criticism has befallen skipper Wayne Rooney, yet in this match nobody in the Red Devil’s forward line stepped up to a level required to win the match.
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Pressure mounts on van Gaal
The sentiments around Old Trafford were clear as the Dutchman walked of the park, with boos echoing around the stadium. During the first-half chants of ‘attack’ could be heard from the crowd, clearly unsatisfied with their side’s recent defensive style of play. Many have already been calling for the Red Devil’s boss to be shown the door and continued performances in this vein are sure to see that movement gain further traction.
The former fortress that was Old Trafford seems to be leaking points and the typical intimidating atmosphere coupled with aggressive attacking football is lacking in recent times. The last 11 home games have seen United scoreless at the break, though it should also be said that only one of those 11 games saw the home side trailing at halftime.
MUFCs last 11 home games at HT:
0-0 MCFC
0-0 Boro
0-0 CSKA
0-0 WBA
0-0 PSV
0-0 WHU
0-1 Norwich
0-0 Chelsea
0-0 Swansea
0-0 SheffUd
0-0 S'ton— ManUtd Fact (@ManUtd_Fact) January 23, 2016
Austin the answer for Southampton?
Making his debut after a £4 million transfer from Queens Park Rangers, Austin started his Saints career with a bang by notching up his first goal. Not the most difficult of chances it could be said, considering that the goal threat was essentially able to head home from a free header, yet the new man took his opportunity comfortably.
Delighted to make my debut for @SouthamptonFC today and score the winner 🔴⚪️
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) January 23, 2016
The goal, so soon after being introduced to the game, now asks the question as to whether Austin should make his way into the starting XI and mounts a selection headache for Koeman. Going into that game with Shane Long leading the line, as he has done so typically since the injury to Graziano Pellè, inserting Austin begs the question as to whether the Irishman would be taken out in a straight swap or maybe even pushed wide which raises problem as to who would be dropped to the bench.
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