Manchester United news: Ralf Rangnick frustrated at 'wrong decisions' during Southampton clash
Harry Maguire looks on frustrated as Manchester United draw with Southampton
It was more of the same for Manchester United at Old Trafford, who took a first half lead against Southampton but ended up with another draw.
Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for the Red Devils, after tapping in from close distance following Marcus Rashford's cross.
It marked the third game in a row in which United have scored first, but yet again a disappointing second half plagued with poor defending allowed Southampton to equalise.
Che Adams levelled the scores just three minutes after the half time break, and while both teams tried to find a winner, they were forced to settle for a draw.
United suffered a similar fate in their last two fixtures, with their games against Middlesbrough and Burnley both ending 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Much to the frustration of Ralf Rangnick, United also saw a further two goals chalked off for offside.
It finishes level at Old Trafford.#MUFC | #MUNSOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 12, 2022
The German coach gave his assessment after full time, and criticized his team for "losing shape" after the break.
"Yes, unfortunately very similar to the last couple of games. Very good first half, very good first half-hour, we did all the things we intended to do with the counter-attacks and deep runs.
"Exactly that way we created the goal and prepared that goal, a great goal in all aspects. But then we stopped doing that.
"Even at the end of the first half we didn't do those things anymore and in the second half we also lost a bit of shape. The first 20 minutes we were struggling to defend them."
But while Rangnick was disappointed with his team's performance after the break, he also took a moment to praise the superb Southampton display.
"We also have to respect the other team. Southampton played well, they played with the same intensity and tactical approach that they did against Tottenham. This is not an easy team to play against.
"But yes, again, we lost a little bit of composure, we took wrong decisions and this is where we have to get better."
"We lost a little bit of composure and we took the wrong decisions."
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 12, 2022
"This is just where we have to get better."
Ralf Rangnick reflects on more dropped points as they bid to make the Champions League places...@TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/fa1jPT6koM
Sancho found the back of the net for the second time in three games, and the 21-year-old is beginning to justify his £73million fee.
When asked about Sancho's good form, Rangnick praised the winger, stating he looks more like the player he saw in the Bundesliga.
"With Jadon's performance in the last couple of weeks, I'm very pleased. This is the Jadon Sancho I know from the Bundesliga.
"There is still more space for improvement, but it's the best Manchester United have seen of him so far."
As for Southampton, the draw means the Saints have gone unbeaten in their last three games, where they faced Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United.
In superb form, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side have climbed to 10th, and the 54-year-old was delighted with his side's performance.
"It's very enjoyable with this team. We are really good to watch to be honest, it's fantastic from our side." said Hasenhuttl.
"We always have a solution and a new way of playing and this is good to watch and the way we want to go.
"Especially after the fact we had one day less to recover after our game on Wednesday.
"In the second half we were a different team, a much better one. They had a better first half, we had a better second half. A draw, we'll take it. Chances from both sides.
"But always when we started playing our football, I think we dominated the game and this was good to watch."
United are back in action as soon as Tuesday, when they face a visit from Brighton. Southampton return next Saturday against Everton.
