2:55 Highlights from Southampton's 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League
The problems are particularly pronounced in attack.
Sanchez and Lukaku’s exits have thrust Marcus Rashford into the spotlight, but for all his undoubted talent, the fact remains that he has never scored more than 13 goals in a season. It is asking a lot, then, to expect the 21-year-old to step up and lead the line on his own. Since his double against Chelsea in United’s opening game of the season, he has taken 12 shots without scoring. Against Southampton, he lacked composure in front of goal and frequently chose the wrong passes.
Solskjaer is understandably delighted by the impact of Daniel James – he described the Welshman as an “example to everyone” after he scored his third goal in four appearances for United on Saturday – but like any young player, he too will go through peaks and troughs. When his form does dip, can the enigmatic Anthony Martial be trusted to deliver instead?
- Solskjaer: We must be more clinical
Because beyond that, United’s attacking options are limited to their next crop of academy graduates. Mason Greenwood has shown huge promise and came close to scoring following his introduction against Southampton, but he is still two months shy of his 18th birthday and even his greatest admirers would admit that he is not ready to play regularly.
Problematic Pogba
It does not help, then, when Paul Pogba, one of the few players in the squad who does combine experience with proven quality, continues to veer between the brilliant and the baffling. Against Crystal Palace, it was his error that led to Patrick van Aanholt’s winner. Against Southampton, his creativity was overshadowed by more lapses of concentration.
The Frenchman, whose future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer, seemed to struggle with the speed of the game right from the start. Inside the first two minutes, he was robbed by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in his own half. Soon after that, and under no pressure in midfield, he wildly over-hit a diagonal pass intended for James.
His most glaring mistakes, though, arrived shortly before half-time, when he ceded possession on three separate occasions in the space of little more than a minute – each time in his own half, each time inviting more Southampton pressure.
In between those moments of complacency, Pogba failed to make a single tackle or interception and only won one aerial duel. And yet, at the same time, he was central to most of United’s best attacking moments, creating more chances (four) than any other player on the pitch.
It is something Solskjaer was keen to point out afterwards, saying Pogba “created loads” in the closing stages and adding: “Everyone expects everything from him every game. He has to defend, he has to attack, he has to win headers, he has to win tackles, he has to dribble people, he has to make passes.”
It is certainly true that Pogba is held to higher standards than others, but it comes with the territory of being a record signing for a club like United and, with such a shallow squad this season, the reality is that United need him to deliver now more than ever. If Solskjaer is to prove they are indeed on the right track, then coaxing consistency from his biggest star must be a priority. On this evidence, there is plenty of work to do.
Sourse: skysports.com
