Manchester United endured a difficult afternoon on Sunday, as Southampton held them to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's side were the favourites to win this Premier League tie due to Southampton's poor form. The Saints came into Sunday's game at the foot of the table, with just six league wins to their name. Yet United failed to break down their stubborn defence.
If anything, Southampton will be frustrated at their failure to make Casemiro's first-half red card count - especially when James Ward-Prowse and Kyle Walker-Peters both found the woodwork. Here are the main talking points from a drab afternoon in Manchester.
Ten Hag goes for it
United fans would've been surprised by Ten Hag's decision to start Fernandes, Weghorst, Antony, Sancho and Rashford. Ten Hag left out Fred to make room for another attacker, as the Dutchman wanted to take advantage of Southampton's vulnerable defence. The Saints conceded 41 goals in 25 Premier League games heading into the game.
Fernandes was deployed just ahead of Casemiro in a deeper role, as Sancho occupied the No.10 position. Ten Hag resisted playing Weghorst in the latter role - much to delight of supporters - and gave Rashford the nod in his favoured left-wing spot.
With this amount of attacking talent on the pitch, Southampton boss Ruben Selles would've been forgiven for fearing an onslaught from the Carabao Cup holders.
United's slow start
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Yet the Red Devils failed to put their guests under the cosh. Southampton boasted 48 per cent of the ball during the opening half-an-hour and restricted Ten Hag's side to just one shot on target. United looked short of ideas; short of inspiration.
If anything, Southampton seemed the most likely to score. They almost found the net when former Arsenal man Theo Walcott, who appears to be enjoying a renaissance under Selles, forced David de Gea into a save with a header. United needed to improve.
Casemiro sent off... again
United's start went from bad to worse in the 34th minute, when Casemiro was given his marching orders for the second time in just over a month. The Brazilian went clattering into Carlos Alcaraz and was fortunate to receive just a booking from Anthony Taylor.
But the VAR official Marc Perry told Taylor to take another look at the challenge. It was a shocker, in truth, as Casemiro wrapped six studs around Alcaraz's right leg. The United star could have no complaints and seemed distraught as he trudged down the tunnel.
Casemiro has become the first United player to receive two red cards in a single Premier League campaign since Nemanja Vidic nine years ago. The former Real Madrid midfielder has undoubtedly improved United's midfield, but he is proving to be a liability.
Southampton make United work
Sensing a priceless win, Southampton went on the attack. Ward-Prowse hit the crossbar with one of his trademark free kicks, and Walker-Peters smashed the post with a lovely effort. Yet Fernandes also found the woodwork at the other end.
Both teams continued to press for a winner as the game wore on, but with little avail. It finished goalless, which keeps Southampton stuck to the bottom of the table.
Where does this leave United?
With Arsenal beating Fulham, Sunday's results mean United are now 16 points behind the Premier League leaders and eight ahead of Liverpool in fifth. While Ten Hag won't be counting his Champions League chickens, it does feel as if United's fate is secure.
With just 12 Premier League fixtures remaining, perhaps it is now time for Ten Hag to prioritise other competitions. United have a great chance of winning the Europa League after beating Spanish outfit Real Betis 4-1 at home in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
United will expect to reach the quarter-finals and there are not many big teams remaining in UEFA's secondary club competition. Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus are some of those still in the mix - while Arsenal will prioritise their Premier League title hunt.
Ten Hag has already won a trophy this season, but he will be keen on doubling up with Champions League qualification almost in the bag. United are also going strong in the FA Cup, with a quarter-final at home to Fulham on the horizon.
Although the gap between United and Arsenal is annoying for Ten Hag, it does offer them the rare chance to focus on other competitions. That 7-0 defeat to Liverpool raised doubts over his Old Trafford revolution, but winning another trophy will quash those.
