Manchester United 0-0 Southampton: Three takeaways 30/12/17

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on December 30, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

It’s time to buy a goal-scorer

Another 0-0 draw, £75 million in the bank, and Charlie Austin on the shelf for two months, is screaming for an attacking spending spree.

Shane Long was the preferred striker to Manolo Gabbiadini at Old Trafford, but did not do enough with his opportunity. David de Gea did make a great save to keep him off the score sheet, but we know finishing is not the Irishman’s strength.

Gabbiadini appears to be completely out of favour with Pellegrino, and there is no evidence the team will start two strikers up top. Even though they probably should.

Dusan Tadic, although serviceable against United, is not the answer as the team’s #10. He is not connecting with his teammates on a regular basis, and is no longer the play-making type he was when he arrived on the south coast.

There is plenty of speculation in the rumour mill, and Pellegrino has stated the club has its targets. Let’s just hope, like the manager’s substitution habits, that they do not wait too long to act.