Incredible bodies on the line defending stops Man United from taking the lead vs Southampton

Manchester United had three chances to take the lead against Southampton in a matter of seconds but the hosts' body on the line defending stopped them, somehow.

United rocked up to St Mary's full of confidence following their win over Liverpool last Monday, even if Jurgen Klopp still feels his team should have won, which earned them their first points of the season.

New signing Casemiro was on the bench but Erik ten Hag did start with the same team that beat Liverpool, which also meant Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were sat with the Brazilian.

United looked like they wouldn't need Ronaldo to break the deadlock in the 19th minute, when Diogo Dalot's looked to have found Bruno Fernandes.

The midfielder headed it to Anthony Elanga who's shot was brilliantly saved by Gavin Bazunu, the ricochet going to Fernandes, who's effort was blocked but that hen found Christian Eriksen, who had his shot blocked by a combination of a defender and Bazunu.

"Great defending, especially from Walker-Peters putting his body on the line like that," one fan said.

"Great defending .. it's a miracle how the ball didn't end up in the back of the net .. Southampton have been well organised in this game so far," a second added.

One Liverpool fan still isn't over Virgil van Dijk's defending from earlier in the week and offered his analysis, saying, "Looked like Saints defenders have learned a lot since VVD left, if he would only try to block shots in the box it would help a lot, even if only to put forwards off."

Another United fan couldn't believe what he was seeing, saying, "Pure insanity defending from Southampton that, good lord how have we not scored?"

United's problems up front have been clear this season, whether Ronaldo has been on the pitch or not, with the goals against Liverpool the only ones scored by their players so far this campaign.

Ten Hag is hoping to add Antony to his forward line before Thursday's transfer deadline, whilst PSV's Cody Gakpo also remains a possible target.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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