Southampton vs. Manchester United live updates: Score, highlights, analysis and news

Somehow this didn't go in! Watch the series of blocks by the Southampton defence to keep the score at 0-0.

There's no added time and it's goalless at the break at St Mary's.

Both teams have had clear-cut chances to open the scoring but neither have been clinical enough in the box. A series of superb blocks by the Southampton defenders kept Fernandes, Eriksen and Elanga out before Bella-Kotchap missed the target with the host's best chance.

It's been an end-to-end game so far. Let's hope that continues in the second half!

42’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

The Athletic's Andy Mitten has a fascinating stat as the game is goalless after the 38th minute.

Manchester United reach the 38th minute having not conceded a goal for the first time in an away match since February.

— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) August 27, 2022

40’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

Adams has had another couple of efforts at goal whilst Eriksen and Fernandes have been pulling the strings for the visitors.

We're into the last five minutes of the first half.

36’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

It's been a very entertaining game so far, with chances at both ends of the pitch. It won't be long until the deadlock is broken.

32’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

Bella-Kotchap has a huge opportunity to open the scoring from a corner as it falls to him from close range but he can't keep his effort down. Then it's Adams who wriggles away from the defence and fires an effort straight at De Gea.

Both teams have had great chances to take the lead.

30’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

In-form Che Adams has his first shot on goal with a header that loops over the bar. The hosts are testing the United defence and are pressing for an opener as the momentum swings their way.

26’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

Former teammates at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro watch from the bench as their team push for an opener. It's not a place either player is used to being!

22’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

The Athletic's Carl Anka can't believe that didn't go in either! What a triple block by the Southampton defenders.

No idea how that didn't go in.

A softly floated Dalot cross gets headed off target by Bruno, and then a combination of Bazuno, Bella-Kotchap and KWP block any more.

— Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) August 27, 2022

19’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

How have Manchester United not scored! That is superb defending by Southampton!

Fernandes, Elanga and Eriksen all have shots on target from inside the six-yard box but each effort was saved or blocked by a flying body. The Saints survive!

16’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

Man United are looking to find space in behind the Southampton defence but the hosts have coped well so far. They've got a pacey back line and it's helping to keep up with the likes of Sancho and Elanga.

12’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

St Mary's rises to their feet to applaud club legend David Armstrong.

A 10th-minute applause for David Armstrong. All of St Mary's stands up.#SaintsFC

— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) August 27, 2022

11’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

Southampton are clearly looking to cause problems with balls into the box. Every throw-in in the final third so far has been launched into the area by Mohamed Salisu.

7’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

Man United's wingers seem to have switched sides from last week's game against Liverpool. Anthony Elanga is on the right with Jadon Sancho on the other side.

Their aim could be to exploit Southampton by cutting inside onto their stronger foot.

4’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

The visitors have started positively. They're getting players very high up and they're controlling possession early on.

1’ Southampton 0-0 Manchester United

The teams have switched sides and it's Southampton that kick-off!

The warm-ups are complete and the players are in the tunnel. Kick-off is only five minutes away!

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as a substitute for the second game in a row.

He was dropped to the bench for Manchester United’s win over Liverpool on Monday and the victory for Erik Ten Hag’s side seemed to prove the manager’s decision to be the correct one.

With their first win of the season coming without Ronaldo, how does that affect his future at the club?

It has been a common theme since the footballing legend re-joined the club as to whether he positively or negatively affects the team when he is on the pitch. United’s performance last week could be evidence to prove the latter.

Ahead of kick-off take a listen to the Talk of the Devil video podcast special, where The Athletic’s Carl Anka, Laurie Whitwell and Andy Mitten joined Ian Irving to discuss the issue.

GO FURTHER

Debating Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United: A Talk Of The Devils special

The signing of Lisandro Martinez has been criticised due to him being such a small centre-back. His height was exploited by Brentford with Ivan Toney focusing on him and winning every physical battle.

Against Liverpool, due to Jurgen Klopp's side's lack of physical presence up front, Martinez looked more comfortable. Southampton have a similar lack of height in their front line but Che Adams will be putting his body about and may battle up against the Argentinian.

It will be interesting to see how he performs this afternoon.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been looking to strengthen in the full-back position since losing Tino Livramento in April after his ACL injury that has kept him on the sidelines.

Romain Perraud is on the bench for today’s game against Manchester United but his muscle injury seems to be a recurring one so this has increased the need for new signings.

Moussa Djenepo has been forced to play at left wing-back so far this season and the winger has coped well but with Hasenhuttl’s system relying heavily on the full-back position, he will be wanting a player more comfortable in that position long-term.

The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell took a look at exactly what Southampton are looking for in their search for a new full-back.

GO FURTHER

What are Southampton looking for in their full-back search?