United arrived on the south coast short on form and confidence, with their last league win coming almost a month ago, a 2-0 win away to Burnley.<\/p>\n
With the league dead and buried, the Red Devils looked to gain some much-needed confidence and momentum heading into next week’s season defining Europa League final against Ajax.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Southampton are playing for position, with an eight place within their grasp, a hugely respectable position for a team which has had to rebuild due to its best players and manager poached by bigger clubs in recent seasons.<\/p>\n
Referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot in the 5th<\/sup> minute after an Eric Bailly handball. There was some controversy surrounding the decision, although it was a clear handball, it appeared to be slightly outside the box. Up stepped Manolo Gabbiadini, who saw his penalty saved by United second choice ‘keeper Sergio Romero, who got down well to save low to his right-hand side.<\/p>\n Bailly almost went from zero to hero a few minutes later, as a sloppy pass in the Saints’ defence allowed the makeshift right back to cut inside past both central defenders before firing the ball straight at Fraser Forster with his left foot.<\/p>\n Double Southampton player of the year Oriol Romeu was booked in 10th<\/sup> minute for a borderline rugby tackle on Mkhitaryan.<\/p>\n After a bright start to the game, the action fell flat with the attacking players from both sides struggling to impose themselves on the game. The first half draws to a close goalless, with neither team looking particularly threatening.<\/p>\n