In a game that will be remembered for what might have been, Southampton produced an excellent battling performance, despite succumbing to a late Lukaku winner at Old Trafford.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men were enterprising and energetic in a match in which they were unlucky to emerge defeated. There were several beautifully taken goals, evenly spread across both teams. Sumptuous strikes from Yan Valery and James Ward-Prowse gave Manchester United a real scare but ultimately the home team prevailed in a game tinged by controversy.
The standard of refereeing on show was distinctly sub-par with two relatively obvious penalty shouts turned down for the Saints. By contrast, United were awarded a late penalty which was wasted by the underwhelming Paul Pogba.
With winnable games to come, coupled with Cardiff’s defeat at Wolves, Southampton fans will feel optimistic that they can avoid the drop if they play like this. Although the defence were guilty of giving away a late goal, the whole team can be proud of their efforts in Manchester.
Here are the Southampton player ratings from Old Trafford: