The first half is over, Man United finally managed to take the lead. If you look at Man United's game in the first half, they managed to score goals from dead ball schemes, and both goals involved De Ligt, so Manchester United could lead 2-0. In the second half I think they will play more relaxed because leading by two goals of course it will be easy for Man United to maintain their lead.
My conclusion in the first half Man United was not very good at trying to score goals with open play, this is a fact. but Southampton in the first half was also not clinical in taking advantage of their opportunities, and this is what distinguishes the two teams Man United is clinical, Southampton is not. But interestingly, Marcus Rashford finally scored again after 189 days without scoring. This is Rashford's first goal for Man United since last March.
It was quickly how the game changed in the first half from Southampton having the highest position in the first 25 minutes to Manchester United taking the lead with 2 goals to nothing before the end of the first half. The first 25 minutes were hell for Dalot since there was more defending in his wings. It was frustrating that he had to commit a penalty. Lucky for the Manchester United team Onana had to make his first Premier League penalty save after 7 penalties he had faced so far.
Just 2 minutes after the first half Manchester United scored their first goal in the game. And this game room for the second goal from Rashford. Funny enough this is his first goal in his last 12 matches for Manchester United. Hopefully, they will win the game because I see a different performance today in how they play.
The observation made here revolves around how Manchester United has continued leading Southampton by 2-0 during the first half of the match, thanks to goals scored from dead ball schemes. Manchester's strength appears to lie in their ability to capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves, even if their general gameplay is not as strong as it could be. Still, that clinical ability sets them apart from Southampton, who has missed several chances.
Marcus Rashford's goal is another notable event, seeing as it is his first in nearly half a year. Dalot, however, appears to be struggling, particularly when it comes to defending in his wings. Nonetheless, Onana managed his first Premier League penalty save, a crucial event that has diversified the match.
In the second half, we can anticipate a more relaxed play from Manchester United due to their lead. This game, however, suggests a different performance, presenting hope that Manchester United might win the match.