United were held on the south coast after falling behind in the first half
After their emphatic start to the new season against Leeds last weekend, Manchester United had to settle for a point away to Southampton on Sunday afternoon after being held to a 1-1 draw.
Mason Greenwood levelled for United early in the second half after falling behind to Che Adams’ deflected opener in the first half.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was unhappy at the circumstances surrounding Southampton’s goal, later claiming that his side should have been given a free-kick in the immediate build-up.
Bruno Fernandes had been barged to the ground by Jack Stephens near the touchline, only for play to continue. Seconds later, Adams’ effort – which has gone down as a Fred own goal – beat David De Gea.
Fernandes and several other United players appealed to the referee as Southampton’s players celebrated, the Portuguese midfielder receiving a yellow card for his troubles.
Southampton take the lead against United after Fernandes is robbed of possession – unfairly, according to him – and Adams’ deflected shot beats De Gea pic.twitter.com/fFDFCD8rIm
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) August 22, 2021
United failed to build on Greenwood’s equaliser in the second half, dropping their first points of the new campaign.
Speaking to Sky after full-time, Solskjaer made it clear that he believed it was a clear foul on his player.
“It seems like football’s gone from one extreme to the other,” he said. “That’s a foul, definitely. 10o per cent.
“But that happens in football. You don’t get every decision and we should’ve reacted better, of course.
“He might be a bit lucky that it deflected off Fred, but he shouldn’t have dangled his leg he should’ve blocked that shot.
“We need better reactions when we don’t get decisions.”
🗣"It seems like football has gone from one extreme to the other."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that Bruno Fernandes was fouled in the build up to Southampton's opening goal against Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/R2Ob39kUhQ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 22, 2021
