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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Omar Garrick

What followed Manchester United draw vs Southampton was far more damning than the display itself

It says a lot about the current Manchester United team that no one was surprised to see them walk away with just a point against Southampton despite having led 1-0 at half-time.

Some United supporters seem to have become numb to the feeling of disappointment. That's how bad things are at the moment and it's hard to imagine it getting any better in the near future.

United currently sit outside of the top four with a host of teams below them holding games in hand. Failure to qualify for next season's Champions League would likely have a huge impact on their ability to attract top quality players in the summer.

It's difficult to remember the last time United dominated a game for 90 minutes and Ralf Rangnick has got a massive job on his hands if he's to drag the team into the top four.

The draw with the Saints was almost a carbon copy of the two fixtures that went before it. United dominated the first 45 minutes but headed for the interval with just one goal to show for their efforts, before capitulating in the second half with the contest finishing 1-1.

United looked completely bereft of ideas as they desperately searched for a winning goal late on and Rangnick will know big improvements are needed if he's to save the club's season.

While the performance was one to forget, the visiting manager Ralph Hasenhuttl provided an interview after the game that will likely never be forgotten by United fans.

“It’s not a big secret that when they lose the ball the reverse gears are not the best from everyone," he said after watching his side secure a point at Old Trafford.

Now, Hasenhuttl highlighting United's issues is concerning enough, but the fact a manager who's just seen his side come from behind to win a point at Old Trafford is taking the time to dig at United is even more concerning.

In years gone by, managers would have likely batted off such a question in a bid to concentrate on their team's fine display, but to engage in such a debate suggests Hasenhuttl almost expected his side to take something from the clash.

Of course, his relationship with Rangnick likely played a part in his response but it's still a damning assessment of an away side's approach to a stadium that used to be referred to as a 'fortress'.

Gary Neville was quick to have his say on the comments, posting on Twitter: "Imagine being a Manchester United player and having a respected opposition manager say that about you."

This is just the latest example of how far United have fallen since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson's teams were built on a winning mentality and a never-say-die attitude. You can't see any of that in the current United team and it's horrible to watch.

Hasenhuttl has put United in their place and there aren't many fans who would disagree with his comments.

What did you make of Hasenhuttl's comments? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.

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