Chapter 138 - Moyes And MU(2)

The 27th minute, Southampton launched an attack. Simone snatched the ball from Carrick, when Carrick tried to pass it. Immediately, he passed the ball to Rudolf. Rudolf let go of Cleverly's guard, after that, he received Simone's pass with his right foot. Then, Rudolf gave a pass to Kounde. The Southampton left winger received the ball, but he was guarded by Rafael da Silva making it difficult to turn around.

Kounde passed the ball back to Benson. Benson, who rose to assist the attack, was now dribbling the ball diagonally to the middle. He then gave Ryan a pass and advanced into the penalty box. Ryan took the pass, then, with a touch, he sent Benson's pass back. Benson received a through ball from Kounde. Then he immediately sent the ball that he received to Kazuki.

Johnny Evans cuts Benson's pass. He then threw ball to the outside the ground. Throw-in near the corner of the pitch. Kounde threw the ball at Benson. The Southampton left-back returned the ball to Kounde. A second later, Kounde sent a cross into the middle of the penalty box.

Rudolf jostled among the other players, he then jumped up with a bang. His jump was higher than other players. Then, he headed the ball with his head. The ball flew towards the goalpost. David de Gea reacted by moving to the left. He then used his hands to slap the ball away from the goal.

Southampton attack failed again.

Entering the next minutes, the intensity of the match increased. Manchester United and Southampton began to counterattack each other. In the 33rd minute, Bennett gave Kazuki a short pass. The Japanese player released a powerful shot from outside the penalty box. Unfortunately, De Gea gameplay was impressive. He managed to catch the ball with both hands.

De Gea then threw the ball forward. The ball was received by Rio Fernand. He immediately passed the pass to Patrice Evra. Rustan frantically tried to annoy Evra, but the Manchester United left-back was assisted by Cleverly to get rid of Rustan. Evra immediately sent a long pass to Pogba. Pogba received the ball, he then accelerated his run while avoiding Ryan's pursuit.

Pogba saw Robin Van Persie in a good position, after that, he sent a long ball forward. Van Persie broke free from Okhalo's guard, a moment later, he ran quickly forward then jumped and headed the ball.

The ball that he headed curled up and then dived sharply down. Dean Smith was fooled by the movement of the ball, so he failed to catch the ball. Van Persie's header into the Southampton net.

"Goaaaaall! Van Persie's artistic header made the ball find the net! Such a good counter-attack launched by Manchester United. Bravo! 1-0 to the hosts Manchester United."

Manchester United celebrated the goal with great fanfare. In this match, the Red Devils fans would not be surprised if Southampton beat Manchester United. After all, this team had beaten many other teams. However, if Manchester United manage to beat Southampton of course they will be happy.

The match resumed. Southampton started the kick-off after conceding the first goal. On the touchline, George had signaled to play patiently. Manchester United's counter-attack was so sharp that Southampton had to be careful. However, there was still a long time to go and Southampton still have a chance to level the score.

In the 39th minute, Okhalo managed to snatch the ball from Van Persie. He gave it to the front. Rudolf came down and picked up the ball. Behind him Cleverly followed Rudolf's movements. The Southampton defender returned the ball to Hilton then spun around and ran fast. Hilton understood Rudolf's idea, he sent Rudolf a through ball.

The bait was too heavy so Rudolf failed to get the ball. Luckily Ryan managed to get the ball. The player then gave the ball to Freddy. The Southampton right-back stepped forward with the ball at his feet. Christopher Ron who followed behind was chasing Freddy, finally he managed to catch up to Freddy, he gave Freddy a physical confrontation, so that Freddy was pushed off the field.

Southampton got a throw-in. Freddy threw the ball at Simone. Simone tried to keep the ball from being stolen by Carrick. He gave the ball to Rudolf. Rudolf passed the ball that he got to Okhalo.

The Southampton center-back provided a long pass to the left side of Manchester United. Kounde ran fast, some players were still gathered on the right, so Rudolf only needed to face Rafael. He managed to get past Rafael then penetrated the Manchester United penalty box. Then he gave the ball to Ryan.

Ryan received the ball and then gave a firmly shot from in front of net. The ball slid fast towards the goalpost. However, the ball just hit the top post and bounced off the field.

In the 45th minute, Manchester United sent the final attack. Johnny Evans intercepted Ryan's pass. He then gave it to Pogba. Ryan moved towards Pogba. He clung to the player and kept pestering him. Pogba sent a pass to Carrick. Pogba's pass was quite weak, but fortunately Carrick was able to get the ball.

Carrick gave a flat pass to Rafael. Rafael dribbled the ball across the halfway line. After that, he passed the ball he carries into the middle. After that he gave a flat pass to Cleverly. Cleverly welcomed the ball with a first time kick. The ball went from long distance towards the goalpost.

Dean Smith ran to the right then jumped. His hand managed to reach the ball. He then pushed the ball away from the net. The ball was pushed in front of the goalpost. Hilton reached the ball before Van Persie he threw the ball off the field. After these opportunities failed Manchester United and Southampton was not able to score again.

The first half match ended with a 1-0 advantage for Manchester United. Entering the break. Both teams adjusted their strategy. In the first half, Southampton looked difficult in dismantling Manchester United's defense. The reason, their two wings failed to shine in the first half. Ryan himself also lost in midfield against Pogba.

George made some adjustments so Southampton was able to play better in the second half.

The game resumed after 15 minutes of rest. Southampton started the first half kick-off. At the beginning of the first half, the intensity of the match was still slow. Southampton controlled the ball quietly without fierce pressure from Manchester United.

The match only became fierce when it entered the 50th minute. Ryan, who had just received the ball, got a dangerous tackle from Pogba. This caused Ryan to be guided off the field. Pogba got a yellow card for his action. But Southampton was forced to replace Ryan. Bennett didn't make the big list, so George decided to include Osmund.. He pulled Kazuki back to take Ryan's place.