Good morning everybody, you’re welcome along to our minute-by-minute coverage of today’s Premier League meeting of Southampton and Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have experienced a patchy enough start to the season. Starting off with an emphatic 4-0 win against Chelsea, United were held 1-1 by Wolves and were stunned by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
That 2-1 defeat by Palace took just about everyone by surprise and Solskajer really needs to get back on track with a win today. Truth be told, a point just won’t be good enough for a side with top four ambitions this season.
Southampton, on the other hand, could also do with a win. After losing back-to-back against Burnley and Liverpool, Ralph Hasenhüttl men have gotten back on track.
The Saints impressed with a 2-0 win away to Brighton last weekend, before seeing off Fulham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday thanks to a tidy close-range finish from Ireland international Michael Obafemi.
Stick with us, kick-off at St Mary’s is coming up in an hour’s time at 12.30pm.
KICK-OFF: We’re underway at St Mary’s for the first half!
31 Aug 2019
12:34PM
Strong start by Manchester United here. Daniel James cuts inside on the left wing and tries to pick out Marcus Rashford inside the box, but Cedric Soares gets his right boot to the ball first. A timely challenge.
31 Aug 2019
12:37PM
A hairy moment at the back for Victor Lindelof there. He dwells on the ball a little too long before trying to find David De Gea with a backpass. Che Adams closes down aggressively and De Gea hoofs the ball upfield under pressure.
Close! A big chance for Sofiane Boufal. He peels away into space outside the box and lets fly from 25 yards. His effort lags just wide of the post. It had De Gea scrambling, though. Boufal did well to get his shot away early, taking everyone by surprise.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
12:40PM
Andreas Pereira with a chance of his own down the other end. Juan Mata finds the Brazilian inside the box, but he just can’t get his shot away as Jannik Vestergaard provides an important interception.
We have a breakthrough! Daniel James continues his incredible start to life at Man United with his third Premier League goal in four games. It’s a brilliant hit from the talented young winger, who cuts inside onto his right boot and let’s fly with a stinger of a shot which flies into the back of the net. What a hit.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
12:45PM
A perfect start to this game for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who looked absolutely delighted with that finish from James. Like a proud parent punching the air on the touchline. An incredible stat: Daniel James has now scored as many Premier League goals for Man United as Alexis Sanchez. Wow.
31 Aug 2019
12:48PM
Southampton looking for an immediate response. Sofiane Boufal races clear down the right channel into space. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg joins in the attack and looks for the offload on the overlap, but Boufal’s pass is overhit and the move breaks down.
31 Aug 2019
12:49PM
Aaron Wan-Bissaka almost adds a second with a powerful volley behind enemy lines. Scott McTominay delivered a pinpoint cross into the box to find the defender, but had Wan-Bissaka scored it wouldn’t have even counted — the linesman raises his flag for offside.
Daniel James nearly grabs his second of the afternoon. He takes possession outside the box and releases a powerful effort which forces Angus Gunn into a strong save with his right hand. This lad, James, he’s quite good.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
12:57PM
This has been an energetic start by the visitors here. One goal up and dominating possession and shots on goal. Southampton being pinned back at the moment, struggling to keep it at one.
31 Aug 2019
12:58PM
James Ward Prowse with an important interception. The England midfielder did really well to track all the way back and cut out Marcus Rashford’s dangerous cross fizzed low into the danger zone.
31 Aug 2019
1:01PM
A long, Rory Delap-style throw-in from Jan Bednarek causes all sorts of panic inside the Man United box. David De Gea did well to punch the initial ball away, but it spilled and weaved and bobbled all over the place before being hooked clear. Better from Southampton at the moment.
Oriol Romeu has a pop from distance, but Harry Maguire gets himself in the way and blocks the shot. The hosts are enjoying a decent spell these last few minutes, stringing plenty of tidy passes together and getting men forward.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
1:09PM
Sofiane Boufal with another shot from inside the box but Scott McTominay throws himself in the way, making sure to hide his arms behind his back in the process. United under quite a bit of pressure now.
31 Aug 2019
1:11PM
Harry Maguire picks up his first booking of the season, Mike Dean brandishing him with a yellow card for a rash challenge. A few moments later Maguire comes together with Oriol Romeu, but insists the midfielder had maybe, perhaps dived instead of being fouled.
31 Aug 2019
1:15PM
Good attacking move from Southampton as we approach half-time. Danny Ings finds Che Adams making a run inside the box. Adams lets the ball roll across his body and tries to cross on his left boot, but the ball flies high and over the bar.
31 Aug 2019
1:15PM
There will be twominutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
SECOND HALF: We’re back underway for another 45 minutes!
31 Aug 2019
1:36PM
No changes from either side at half-time. At the break former Saints boss Lawrie McMenemy was introduced to the crowd, the legendary man who orchestrated that famous FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United back in 1976 at Wembley.
31 Aug 2019
1:37PM
Cedric delivers a dangerous ball into the box looking for either Danny Ings or Che Adams. But Victor Lindelof reads the danger early and manages to get his head to the ball first, flicking it away.
Nearly a second for Manchester United at the other end. Marcus Rashford sizes up against Angus Gunn in a one-on-one situation, but the goalkeeper comes out on top. Rashford regains possession from the save and tries to loop the ball back into danger, but Jannik Vestergaard clears.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
1:42PM
Daniel James tries to venture forward with some silky dribbling and fast pace. But he is stopped in his tracks by Vestergaard, who slides in low and comes away with the ball. Great defending.
31 Aug 2019
1:44PM
Close! Che Adams with a gilt-edged opportunity right in front of goal. He lingers around the back post and picks his moment to latch onto the ball. Adams did well to carve out a pocket of space, but delayed a fraction too long before smashing his effort wide. He should have done a lot better there.
We’re all square at St Mary’s! Kevin Danso delivers a pinpoint ball into the box which Jannik Vestergaard leaps high to meet, arrowing a brilliant header past David De Gea and into the back of the net. A fine headed finish from the big centre half and we’re level.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
1:49PM
It’s been a much-improved performance from the Saints since the interval. Southampton are working hard, closing down space and applying pressure all over the pitch. Vestergaard’s equaliser has been a just reward for their efforts.
31 Aug 2019
1:50PM
Ralph Hasenhüttl makes his first switch of the afternoon with half an hour to go. Ireland international Shane Long — who was not included in Mick McCarthy’s 25-man squad for the upcoming Euro qualifier against Switzerland — comes on for Che Adams.
31 Aug 2019
1:53PM
Another half-chance for the hots. Shane Long works hard to win the ball back and manages to get a cross into the box, but David De Gea gets there first ahead of Danny Ings. Long showing that incredible work-rate of his already to chase and run and battle.
A good attack from Southampton sees the ball fall invitingly for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to have a go. He tees himself up from the guts of 30 yards and tries his luck, but his sweetly-struck effort flies the wrong side of the post.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
1:56PM
Two changes from Ole Gunnar Solskajer to try and restore Man United’s lead. Jesse Lingard replaces Andreas Pereira, while Nemanja Matic comes on for Juan Mata. A little over 20 minutes remaining here.
31 Aug 2019
1:58PM
Nemanja Matic tries his luck with a go from distance. The ball spilled out to the midfielder in space, but he blasted a dreadful shot way over the bar. Cue sarcastic cheers from the Southampton supporters.
31 Aug 2019
1:59PM
A second change for the hosts now. Stuart Armstrong, who’s last Premier League goal came against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw last season (Mark Hughes’ last game in charge), comes on to replace Sofiane Boufal.
Southampton will have to battle on for the final 20 minutes here with 10 men as Kevin Danso is given his marching orders. He was already on a yellow card and is penalised again for a rash sliding challenge on Scott McTominay.
31 Aug 2019
2:04PM
Daniel James with a pair of chances to regain the lead. The first on his right boot flies off target, but possession is regained and he gets a second opportunity — which is duly saved by the palms of Angus Gunn. Frustration edged all over the young winger’s face.
31 Aug 2019
2:08PM
Almost! A big chance to go ahead for United as the minutes tick on. A ball across goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka almost found Marcus Rashford free inside the box. All he had to do was stick his toe out, but he failed to get a touch. We’re still all square.
31 Aug 2019
2:10PM
A third and final switch of the afternoon by Ole Gunnar Solskajer. Mason Greenwood replaces Scott McTominay with 10 minutes left on the clock. Can the highly-rated 17-year-old make a late impact and help grab a winner?
Good save from Angus Gunn to deny Marcus Rashford. The England striker was played in with a clever through ball along the ground, but his left-footed strike was deflected away for a corner by the boot of the Southampton goalkeeper.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
2:13PM
Jesse Lingard races away into space, taking advantage of a Southampton backline caught out of position. He had a number of options to pass to, but Lingard fancied his chances with a shot of his own. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg hauls himself in the way with a heroic block.
31 Aug 2019
2:15PM
There are big shouts for a penalty for Manchester United, Mason Greenwood going down inside the box after appearing to be kicked by a loose boot. Mike Dean isn’t having it, though, and waves play on. No intervention from the VAR officials either and play goes on.
31 Aug 2019
2:17PM
Save! Some tremendous work from Mason Greenwood produces a brilliant effort on target. Greenwood beat his man with a pair of stepovers and curls a lovely strike on target. But once again Angus Gunn springs across his line and palms the ball away.
Another big chance as United continue to push for a late winner. Ashley Young latches onto the ball a good 30 yards out from goal. He backs himself and has a go, but his powerful curled effort just misses the top corner narrowly. That would have been some winner.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
31 Aug 2019
2:18PM
There will be four minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
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As it happened: Southampton v Man United, Premier League
Good morning everybody, you’re welcome along to our minute-by-minute coverage of today’s Premier League meeting of Southampton and Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have experienced a patchy enough start to the season. Starting off with an emphatic 4-0 win against Chelsea, United were held 1-1 by Wolves and were stunned by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
That 2-1 defeat by Palace took just about everyone by surprise and Solskajer really needs to get back on track with a win today. Truth be told, a point just won’t be good enough for a side with top four ambitions this season.
Southampton, on the other hand, could also do with a win. After losing back-to-back against Burnley and Liverpool, Ralph Hasenhüttl men have gotten back on track.
The Saints impressed with a 2-0 win away to Brighton last weekend, before seeing off Fulham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday thanks to a tidy close-range finish from Ireland international Michael Obafemi.
Stick with us, kick-off at St Mary’s is coming up in an hour’s time at 12.30pm.
Let’s get the team news…
So today’s teams will line out as:
KICK-OFF: We’re underway at St Mary’s for the first half!
Strong start by Manchester United here. Daniel James cuts inside on the left wing and tries to pick out Marcus Rashford inside the box, but Cedric Soares gets his right boot to the ball first. A timely challenge.
A hairy moment at the back for Victor Lindelof there. He dwells on the ball a little too long before trying to find David De Gea with a backpass. Che Adams closes down aggressively and De Gea hoofs the ball upfield under pressure.
Close! A big chance for Sofiane Boufal. He peels away into space outside the box and lets fly from 25 yards. His effort lags just wide of the post. It had De Gea scrambling, though. Boufal did well to get his shot away early, taking everyone by surprise.
Andreas Pereira with a chance of his own down the other end. Juan Mata finds the Brazilian inside the box, but he just can’t get his shot away as Jannik Vestergaard provides an important interception.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 0-1 MAN UNITED (JAMES 10)
We have a breakthrough! Daniel James continues his incredible start to life at Man United with his third Premier League goal in four games. It’s a brilliant hit from the talented young winger, who cuts inside onto his right boot and let’s fly with a stinger of a shot which flies into the back of the net. What a hit.
A perfect start to this game for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who looked absolutely delighted with that finish from James. Like a proud parent punching the air on the touchline. An incredible stat: Daniel James has now scored as many Premier League goals for Man United as Alexis Sanchez. Wow.
Southampton looking for an immediate response. Sofiane Boufal races clear down the right channel into space. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg joins in the attack and looks for the offload on the overlap, but Boufal’s pass is overhit and the move breaks down.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka almost adds a second with a powerful volley behind enemy lines. Scott McTominay delivered a pinpoint cross into the box to find the defender, but had Wan-Bissaka scored it wouldn’t have even counted — the linesman raises his flag for offside.
Daniel James nearly grabs his second of the afternoon. He takes possession outside the box and releases a powerful effort which forces Angus Gunn into a strong save with his right hand. This lad, James, he’s quite good.
This has been an energetic start by the visitors here. One goal up and dominating possession and shots on goal. Southampton being pinned back at the moment, struggling to keep it at one.
James Ward Prowse with an important interception. The England midfielder did really well to track all the way back and cut out Marcus Rashford’s dangerous cross fizzed low into the danger zone.
A long, Rory Delap-style throw-in from Jan Bednarek causes all sorts of panic inside the Man United box. David De Gea did well to punch the initial ball away, but it spilled and weaved and bobbled all over the place before being hooked clear. Better from Southampton at the moment.
Oriol Romeu has a pop from distance, but Harry Maguire gets himself in the way and blocks the shot. The hosts are enjoying a decent spell these last few minutes, stringing plenty of tidy passes together and getting men forward.
Sofiane Boufal with another shot from inside the box but Scott McTominay throws himself in the way, making sure to hide his arms behind his back in the process. United under quite a bit of pressure now.
Harry Maguire picks up his first booking of the season, Mike Dean brandishing him with a yellow card for a rash challenge. A few moments later Maguire comes together with Oriol Romeu, but insists the midfielder had maybe, perhaps dived instead of being fouled.
Good attacking move from Southampton as we approach half-time. Danny Ings finds Che Adams making a run inside the box. Adams lets the ball roll across his body and tries to cross on his left boot, but the ball flies high and over the bar.
There will be two minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 0-1 MAN UNITED
SECOND HALF: We’re back underway for another 45 minutes!
No changes from either side at half-time. At the break former Saints boss Lawrie McMenemy was introduced to the crowd, the legendary man who orchestrated that famous FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United back in 1976 at Wembley.
Cedric delivers a dangerous ball into the box looking for either Danny Ings or Che Adams. But Victor Lindelof reads the danger early and manages to get his head to the ball first, flicking it away.
Nearly a second for Manchester United at the other end. Marcus Rashford sizes up against Angus Gunn in a one-on-one situation, but the goalkeeper comes out on top. Rashford regains possession from the save and tries to loop the ball back into danger, but Jannik Vestergaard clears.
Daniel James tries to venture forward with some silky dribbling and fast pace. But he is stopped in his tracks by Vestergaard, who slides in low and comes away with the ball. Great defending.
Close! Che Adams with a gilt-edged opportunity right in front of goal. He lingers around the back post and picks his moment to latch onto the ball. Adams did well to carve out a pocket of space, but delayed a fraction too long before smashing his effort wide. He should have done a lot better there.
GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 1-1 MAN UNITED (VESTERGAARD 58)
We’re all square at St Mary’s! Kevin Danso delivers a pinpoint ball into the box which Jannik Vestergaard leaps high to meet, arrowing a brilliant header past David De Gea and into the back of the net. A fine headed finish from the big centre half and we’re level.
It’s been a much-improved performance from the Saints since the interval. Southampton are working hard, closing down space and applying pressure all over the pitch. Vestergaard’s equaliser has been a just reward for their efforts.
Ralph Hasenhüttl makes his first switch of the afternoon with half an hour to go. Ireland international Shane Long — who was not included in Mick McCarthy’s 25-man squad for the upcoming Euro qualifier against Switzerland — comes on for Che Adams.
Another half-chance for the hots. Shane Long works hard to win the ball back and manages to get a cross into the box, but David De Gea gets there first ahead of Danny Ings. Long showing that incredible work-rate of his already to chase and run and battle.
A good attack from Southampton sees the ball fall invitingly for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to have a go. He tees himself up from the guts of 30 yards and tries his luck, but his sweetly-struck effort flies the wrong side of the post.
Two changes from Ole Gunnar Solskajer to try and restore Man United’s lead. Jesse Lingard replaces Andreas Pereira, while Nemanja Matic comes on for Juan Mata. A little over 20 minutes remaining here.
Nemanja Matic tries his luck with a go from distance. The ball spilled out to the midfielder in space, but he blasted a dreadful shot way over the bar. Cue sarcastic cheers from the Southampton supporters.
A second change for the hosts now. Stuart Armstrong, who’s last Premier League goal came against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw last season (Mark Hughes’ last game in charge), comes on to replace Sofiane Boufal.
RED CARD! KEVIN DANSO IS SENT OFF FOR SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton will have to battle on for the final 20 minutes here with 10 men as Kevin Danso is given his marching orders. He was already on a yellow card and is penalised again for a rash sliding challenge on Scott McTominay.
Daniel James with a pair of chances to regain the lead. The first on his right boot flies off target, but possession is regained and he gets a second opportunity — which is duly saved by the palms of Angus Gunn. Frustration edged all over the young winger’s face.
Almost! A big chance to go ahead for United as the minutes tick on. A ball across goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka almost found Marcus Rashford free inside the box. All he had to do was stick his toe out, but he failed to get a touch. We’re still all square.
A third and final switch of the afternoon by Ole Gunnar Solskajer. Mason Greenwood replaces Scott McTominay with 10 minutes left on the clock. Can the highly-rated 17-year-old make a late impact and help grab a winner?
Good save from Angus Gunn to deny Marcus Rashford. The England striker was played in with a clever through ball along the ground, but his left-footed strike was deflected away for a corner by the boot of the Southampton goalkeeper.
Jesse Lingard races away into space, taking advantage of a Southampton backline caught out of position. He had a number of options to pass to, but Lingard fancied his chances with a shot of his own. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg hauls himself in the way with a heroic block.
There are big shouts for a penalty for Manchester United, Mason Greenwood going down inside the box after appearing to be kicked by a loose boot. Mike Dean isn’t having it, though, and waves play on. No intervention from the VAR officials either and play goes on.
Save! Some tremendous work from Mason Greenwood produces a brilliant effort on target. Greenwood beat his man with a pair of stepovers and curls a lovely strike on target. But once again Angus Gunn springs across his line and palms the ball away.
Another big chance as United continue to push for a late winner. Ashley Young latches onto the ball a good 30 yards out from goal. He backs himself and has a go, but his powerful curled effort just misses the top corner narrowly. That would have been some winner.
There will be four minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 1-1 MAN UNITED
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