EPL 2016/17: Southampton 0-0 Manchester United, 5 Talking Points

Southampton were denied by Romero on the night

Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Southampton on Wednesday night but it could have been worse, as they survived an early penalty miss from Manolo Gabbiadini.

Sergio Romero was the hero, as he again impressed on the south coast. The closest United came to breaking the deadlock was through Anthony Martial, who struck a post from a curling effort. Otherwise, United again lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 United again settle for the second gear - is it good enough?

We know that Manchester United are putting all their eggs in one basket in going for the Europa League; Jose Mourinho has said as much. However, even if United have one eye on the final in Stockholm in a week’s time, is a half-hearted effort - the second in the space of a few days after the Tottenham defeat - good enough for a club of United’s stature, regardless of how little there was to play for on the south coast?

The likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera were rested, but there was still a multitude of talent on display at St Mary’s. The players mirrored their manager’s disinterest in their remaining Premier League fixtures.

Wouldn’t trying to generate a little momentum or confidence in front of goal be more beneficial ahead of next week’s final? Another meek display on Sunday in the final league fixture could pile further pressure on out of form players for the final.