Man Utd 0-0 Southampton: The main talking points

Manchester United’s winless run in the league continued after a goalless draw at Old Trafford with Southampton and contributing writer, Nathan Quao, of Citi Sports, Ghana points out the main highlights of the match.

No creativity at all

This may sound like a broken record like once again but the team lacked any spark and ingenuity on the day and it is becoming very worrying.

A team that has Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba should not struggle to create chances but the Red Devils are having a tough time breaking teams down.

The final pass or cross was very absent against the Saints who were very solid in defence. Wesley Hoedt was brilliant on the day but in truth, all he did was to head away crosses.

The team lacked a leader and someone arrogant enough to face the situation head on and make something out of nothing.

With each poor performance, teams will come to Old Trafford and believe they can get something. Burnley almost took the points away in the last round and the Saints have taken one away.

Lukaku was given an oxygen mask as he was taken off on a stretcher after just 14 minutes on Saturday evening [DailyMail]

Height is needed urgently

If there is a lack of genius in the team, the next best option is to go basic and find the aerial route. But that is absent at the moment.

Marouane Fellaini’s absence has been missed and Romelu Lukaku’s injury meant that there was no focal point when crosses became the only option for finding the breakthrough.

Surely a Fellaini or a Lukaku could have knocked a few crosses down for other players to feed on. It happened against Spurs  and Crystal Palace earlier in the season and some would have wished for same today.

Some fans may dislike that choice because it does not befit Man United’s status as a big club.

But this game is based on results and if others do it to get what they need, why should Man United also not try it?

Jose Mourinho watches on during the second period of the tight encounter at Old Trafford on the weekend [DailyMai]

The system needs a huge jolt

After losing to Bristol City in the League Cup, the run for the team has been poor and it will take a lot for the players to rise and get back to winning ways.

But that is what big teams should do. They need to respond and find a victory from somewhere. Man United go to Everton next where they will be given a very stern test.

The team must do all it can to get a very good result and they must not be worried about the aesthetics.

The manager must get them to understand and he must also see same.

In addition, there should be some proper leadership on the pitch. Team mates need to demand a lot more from each other. The likes of Nemanja Matic should be more vocal. He is a Premier League winner and that experienced must be milked.

Players must feel responsible for themselves and they chase victories relentlessly. The hunger levels have dropped and the team is suffering.

It is time for something to be done.