Manchester United's top-four hopes took another blow today as the Premier League giants slipped up once again!
The Red Devils kicked off the latest round of fixtures in the English top-flight, hosting Southampton in Saturday's early tie. Having drawn 1-1 with Burnley during the midweek, Rangnick's side were keen to make amends and wasted no time in stomping their ground.
An exquisite through ball from Bruno Fernandes, the breathtaking speed of Marcus Rashford, and a clinical tap-in from Jadon Sancho helped the home side steal the lead after 21 minutes. The Old Trafford outfit continued to pile on the pressure but unfortunately were not able to add to their lead in the first half.
This came back to bite them as the Saints found the equalizer in the 48th minute thanks to a lovely low driven shot from Che Adams. From there on, chaos ensued, with both clubs going back and forth in an attempt to win this entertaining showdown.
Man United came extremely close to finding the winner but were forced to share the spoils, drawing 1-1 for the second consecutive time in the top flight. This saw the club set an unwanted record as they have thrown away a half-time lead in consecutive outings for only the second time in Premier League history, with this last occurring back in December 1998.
1998 - For only the second time in their Premier League history, Manchester United have failed to win back-to-back matches despite being ahead at half-time in both, having last done so in December 1998. Slipped. pic.twitter.com/z9mwt6PWuP
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 12, 2022
While several of Rangnick's men failed to impress in this disappointing draw, one player was singled out on social media. That man was – surprise, surprise – Harry Maguire.
While the Three Lions center-back was not particularly at fault for the equalizing goal as he was in the draw at Burnley, the Englishman endured a few unflattering moments on the pitch. One came late on in the game where he was twisted by Southampton attacker Armando Broja, who's on loan from Chelsea, leading to merciless trolls on Twitter. Check out the best jokes in the tweets below.
No Context Harry Maguire pic.twitter.com/a2s6f3fElE
— Ste Hoare (@stehoare) February 12, 2022
BREAKING: Harry Maguire has invented no-look defending. pic.twitter.com/edByOG5FoA
— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) February 12, 2022
The only successful block Harry Maguire has made all season… pic.twitter.com/h8vG9UbLJm
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) February 12, 2022
Earlier this week I compared Harry Maguire to Michael Keane. Watching Everton today I realise I need to apologise. Michael Keane is better than Maguire
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) February 12, 2022
BREAKING: Harry Maguire has just completed his 360 turn and is now facing the ball. pic.twitter.com/DoROm3riRN
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 12, 2022
Not sure it's even possible for a team to be more offside than this pic.twitter.com/Zcr18NJM88
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) February 12, 2022
Tuesday: concede 47th-minute equalizer against Burnley
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 12, 2022
Saturday: concede 48th-minute equalizer against Southampton
pic.twitter.com/1NJ3OkbrMK
FULL-TIME! Man Utd 1-1 Southampton
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 12, 2022
United blow another lead and are booed off by their fans.
While Man United are currently in fifth, they are only a point ahead of Arsenal with the Gunners boasting two games in hand. Sixth-placed Tottenham, meanwhile, are only four points adrift of the Red Devils despite playing three fewer games.