x

Saints V Manchester United The Verdict

There were a few moans coming out of the game tonight, but to put it in perspective it was a game that Saints more then deserved a point from against a side who are still a force in English football.

Saints took on Manchester United and at times it seemed their own crowd as they battled to secure that 8th position in the Premier League, but again Claude Puel baffled the Saints support by again making multiple changes this time 8 from the side that started against Middlesbrough.

It looked like it might be a storming start when Saints were awarded a penalty in the opening minutes, Manolo Gabbiadini was the third player in four games to step up to the spot and the third player in four games to miss.

Why the job wasnt given to to James Ward Prowse who was the only player on the pitch who hasn't missed this season is anyones guess

That stirred United and it took a smart save from Fraser Forster to keep the sides level, but it was Saints taking the game to United and if the first half was played at a slow pace in the second half it picked up and at times Saints laid siege to the United goal with the visiting keeper making four decent saves to keep his side level.

Those who say they havent been entertained at St Mary's this season did not see goals in this game but they did see a second half full of incident at both ends, sadly it was the United keeper Romero who was man of the match though.

This would normally be considered a good performance by Saints but sadly for many they came to bury Saints not praise them and in the first half the crowd was on the back of its own team, in the second it responded to the increase in tempo and got behind them and hopefully the supporters will see that this was a step forward to an 8th place finish and not a step back.

Now it goes to Sunday, but it is now in Saints hands, they know that a win sees them finish 8th and that is a big achievement given the issues this season.

What to read next:

TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Boston United
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Boston United.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Boston United
Referee STUART MORLAND will officiate at Spotland for the second time in two months when he takes charge of Saturday’s home fixture against Boston United.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Tamworth
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Tuesday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Tamworth.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Tamworth
Dale’s home game versus Tamworth on Tuesday will be refereed by the familiar figure of DARREN DRYSDALE.
Refwatch - Dagenham & Redbridge v Rochdale
Dale’s first return fixture of the season at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday will be refereed by the superbly named ALAN DALE.
Refwatch - Leamington v Rochdale - FA Trophy
Dale’s FA Trophy tie at Leamington on Saturday will be refereed by WAYNE CARTMEL.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Manchester United U21s - Daft National League Cup Thing
Dale’s second group game in the National League Cup on Tuesday against Manchester United U21 will be refereed by JOHN MULLIGAN.
Refwatch - Gateshead v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to the Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday night will be refereed by PAUL MARSDEN.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Oldham Athletic.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Dale’s lunchtime local derby against Oldham Athletic on Saturday will be refereed by GREG ROLLASON.