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Live Commentary: Manchester United 1-1 Southampton - as it happened

Find out how Southampton held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw with Sports Mole's text updates.
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Manchester United played host to Southampton this afternoon looking to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.

It appeared that they were on course to do so when Robin van Persie gave them the lead midway through the first half.

However, in the last minute Adam Lallana drew the visitors level to ensure that the spoils would be shared.

To find out how the match unfolded see our minute-by-minute updates below.


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Afternoon all. Today is what we've all been waiting for - the Premier League is back after the international break! Here we have what looks to be an intriguing encounter between champions Manchester United and Southampton, who are riding high at the moment.

Before we get into any pre-match chat and statistics, the team news is just starting to filter through. Let's start with how the visitors will begin this contest...

Well, the big news for the visiting Saints is that England international Rickie Lambert drops out of the team and has been replaced by Jay Rodriguez in attack. Elsewhere, Luke Shaw has returned at left-back, while Italian Pablo Osvaldo will partner Rodriguez.

And here is how the away side will start this one...

MAN UNITED XI: De Gea; Rafael, Jones, Evans, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Fellaini, Januzaj; Rooney, Van Persie

Fresh from signing a new contract that will keep him at the club for another five years, Adnan Januzaj is included in the home side's starting lineup. The 18-year-old will start wide on the left, while there is no place for experienced defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. In their place at centre-back is Phil Jones and Jonny Evans.

And before we go any further, let's have a look at which players have made both benches...

MAN UNITED SUBS: Lindegaard, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Welbeck, Kagawa, Zaha

SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: K Davis, Lambert, Ward-Prowse, Cork, Guly, Chambers, Hooiveld


As mentioned in the introduction, Southampton have not won at Old Trafford since 1988. On that afternoon Colin Clarke scored both goals for the Saints, who had Matt Le Tissier, Andy Townsend and Danny Wallace within their starting lineup. Some would argue that today is their best chance of ending that run...

That is largely because of the way that both teams have started the season. Southampton are fourth in the table as it stands and have conceded just two goals from their seven matches to date. They've also won two of their three encounters on the road so they will be going into this clash with confidence.

Whereas United have not exactly been at the races since Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer. They are currently 10th and not even a win today would take them above their visitors. However, they did win against Sunderland in their last match and will no doubt be boosted by the news that youngster Januzaj has signed a new contract this morning.

There has been a lot of fuss made about Januzaj in recent days for a variety of reasons, but largely because of his two-goal contribution on his first start at Sunderland. Below is an individual highlight package of the young Belgian.


Here's a stat that doesn't make for pleasant reading for United fans courtesy of Ben Smith of BBC Sport on Twitter: "#MUFC have not lost back-to-back home games in the league since defeats by #Boro and #AFC in 2002."

Of course, that defeat during the last match was against West Bromwich Albion, who could have won by a greater margin than 2-1. Moyes and his players received heavy criticism in the wake of that match and it's unlikely that the same will be accepted by the home supporters this time around. It really is a big encounter for the hosts.

PREDICTION: So, with 10 minutes to go until we get underway, let's have a stab at guessing the outcome. Old Trafford really doesn't hold much fear for opposition teams these days so Southampton won't sit back. It would also be a surprise if they don't score, but United may just edge this one 2-1. Don't rule the Saints out, though.

Right, the players are in the tunnel and there is a decent atmosphere building inside Old Trafford right now, which is not always something you can say. Only a few minutes now until we get started...

GAME ON! Here we go then, Southampton, attacking from left to right, get us underway...

It's a bright start from United and Januzaj in particular, who has just raided down the left wing, only to be halted by Nathienal Clyne. A free kick is awarded, but it comes to nothing. Still, it's a sign that United will try and get the ball to the Belgian whenever they can.

CHANCE! A decent opportunity for the away side as Steven Davis cuts in from the right and lofts a cross to the back post. Rodriguez is there waiting, but he mistimes his jump and the ball flies wide of the target. Replays show that he should have done much better with that chance.

CHANCE! What an effort from Robin van Persie, who is inches wide from breaking the deadlock for United. Carrick picks him out inside the area, but instead of controlling the ball, he goes for an instant volley from a narrow angle, which beats Artur Boruc hands down. Thankfully for the Southampton keeper, the ball flies inches over the target.

Van Persie is looking bright today and he is almost in again as Evra attempts to pick him out with a cross from the left. Dejan Lovren reacts quickly, though, to snuff out the danger and Southampton survive.

It's been Southampton that have dominated in recent moments and on two occasions Adam Lallana has whipped decent crosses into the penalty area. None of his teammates have been able to get on the end of them and the United rearguard has stood firm.

CHANCE! Big opportunity for the away as Osvaldo capitalises on a mistake from Wayne Rooney. He's left with just David de Gea to beat, but the Spaniard stands firm and spreads himself to deny the Italian striker. Will he be made to pay for that?

GOAL! MAN UNITED 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON (VAN PERSIE)

A penny for Osvaldo's thoughts right now. Just three minutes after he fails to put Southampton in front, United go up the other end and score. It's a great pass from Januzaj, who puts Rooney through on goal. His run his halted by Boruc, but Van Persie reacts quickest to round the Southampton goalkeeper and roll the ball into an empty net.

OFF THE BAR! Almost two in a minute for the Red Devils, who are in full flow at the moment. Nani is the creator, sending in a low cross from the right for Rooney, who instantly fires goalwards. Boruc is beaten, but the ball cannons to safety off the crossbar.

To be fair to Southampton, they've reacted to well to going behind. A neat passing move involving five players is worked to Davis on the edge of the area, but the Northern Ireland international fires way wide of the target.

BOOKING! A blatant yellow card for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, as he trips up Januazj in full flow. The Frenchman tries to argue his cause, but it's pointless - he deserved that caution.

Worrying moment for the Saints as Osvaldo goes down clutching his foot. He's up after some treatment but is noticeably limping around. Rickie Lambert has been sent out to warm-up just incase.

We will have two minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half...

HALF TIME: Man United 1-0 Southampton

As that half drew to a close, Southampton had a free kick in a very dangerous position but Luke Shaw fired the ball straight into the United wall. The Saints have played well, but yet they trail at the break.

In truth, Mauricio Pochettino is probably a little disappointed right now. His side have played some great football and created some good chances - one of which Osvaldo should have taken. You'd assume that his team talk would be telling his players to produce more of the same after the restart.

From United's point of view, they are leading, which is ultimately the main thing. However, there have been a few nervy moments which Moyes is bound to want to see less of after the restart. Not that they haven't created there own chances, because they have. The front four of Van Persie, Rooney, Januazj and Nani have looked lively at the times.

STAT! If Southampton are to win today, they will have to make Premier League history because United have not lost a match at Old Trafford where they have been in front at half-time since 1992. That is some going, but Southampton are playing well so you never know.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! Right then, United, attacking the Stretford End, get the second half started at Old Trafford.

Good defending by Evans, who slides in to block Osvaldo's run. It's a tackle that the United defender had to make because had he missed it, the Southampton striker was through on goal. Then, moments later, the Northern Ireland centre-back slides in to turn a cross from Davis behind the a corner.

Half an opportunity for the home side as Nani wriggles free and slides a pass through to Fellaini, who is stood to the right of the penalty area. The Belgium international goes for a first-time shot, but it's blocked by Lovren and the resultant corner comes to nothing.

BOOKING! The first yellow of the afternoon for United and it is Januazj that receives it. To be fair to the Belgian it's a little harsh because he only has eyes for the ball as he goes into a slide tackle with his marker Clyne.

SUBSTITUTION: First switch of the match and it's Southampton that act first. Off comes Rodriguez, who has been relatively quiet and he is replaced by Lambert. No doubt the England international will feel that he has a point to prove to his manager.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Van Persie and Rooney exchange passes on the edge of the Southampton box and the latter bursts through all alone. He then fires past Boruc, but his celebrations are cut short by the linesman's flag. Replays show that he was indeed in an offside position.

OFF THE BAR! How are United not 2-0 up? First Van Persie heads Rooney's corner against the crossbar, then from 30 yards out, Januazj fires one from 30 yards out that forces Boruc into making a smart save. The ball drops to Fellaini on the rebound, but the United midfielder sends his shot well over the crossbar. Some sustained pressure from the hosts, who look keen to add to their tally now.

SUBSTITUTIONS: It's the end of Davis's afternoon as James Ward-Prowse is summoned on to the pitch. His first involvement sees a free kick swung into the box, but Osvaldo heads over. Moments later, United veteran Ryan Giggs replaces Nani.

SAVE! Some smart footwork from Lallana sees him fashion a chance for himself on the edge of the United area. He keeps his shot low and it forces De Gea to dive to his left to thwart the danger. The Saints are starting to push for an equaliser now.

Schneiderlin is not renowned as a goalscorer and he showed why just now. Having weaved his way beyond four United players, the Frenchman then opts to shoot from 20 yards out. His connection is poor, though, and the ball drifts harmlessly wide of the target. More signs that Southampton are not giving up on this one.

SUBSTITUTION: Second alteration from the home side as Fellaini, who is carrying a wrist injury, is given a rest and on comes Danny Welbeck. Moments later, Rooney flashes the ball across the face of goal, but Giggs is unable to stretch far enough to get a touch.

SUBSTITUTION: Final change for the away team as Wanyama, who picked up a foot injury following a challenge with Fellaini earlier, trudges off. It's an attacking switch because on in his place is winger Guly do Prado.

SAVE! Fantastic stop from De Gea from Clyne, who powers the ball towards the goal from a narrow angle. The Spanish keeper stands tall, though, and parries away the danger. You get the feeling it's going to be a nervy few moments for the home team.

SUBSTITUTION: A sign that Moyes is settling for what he's got as he takes off Rooney and brings on defender Chris Smalling. Shutting up shop perhaps?

GOAL! MAN UNITED 1-1 SOUTHAMPTON (LOVREN)

Well, well - late drama and you have to say that Southampton deserve it. United fail to deal with a corner from Ward-Prowse and Lovren throws himself at the ball. Replays show that it may have got a little nick off of Lallana, who was standing in front of De Gea, before the ball crossed the line. Whoever scored it, Southampton don't care. The Saints look as though they have grabbed a point!

We are going to have four minutes of stoppage time at the end of this half. Will we have a winner?!

FULL TIME: Man United 1-1 Southampton

Game over then and you'd have to say that a point is fair. Credit to Southampton because they pressed and pressed and were finally rewarded. That's all we have time for from Old Trafford. Thanks for joining us this afternoon. Until next time, goodbye.

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Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc in action against Norwich during their Premier League match on August 31, 2013
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