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Hasenhuttl gripe reveals ‘super tough’ reason behind slow Southampton start in Man Utd draw

Ralph Hasenhuttl Southampton

Ralph Hasenhuttl felt there were reasons why it took time for his Southampton side to get going but they deserved to take a point from Manchester United.

The sides drew 1-1 at Old Trafford as Jadon Sancho gave the Red Devils a half-time lead. The youngster bagged in the 21st minute but Che Adams levelled affairs with a clinical strike three minutes after the interval. Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo both had goals disallowed as United spurned the chance to move into the top four.

Saints pulled off a spectacular 3-2 triumph over Tottenham on Wednesday evening. Ralf Rangnick’s men were in action the day before as they took a point from a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

And Hasenhuttl believes that was the cause of his side being second best early on at the Theatre of Dreams.

Asked if it played a part, he told BT Sport: “Yes, especially because we had one day less to recover after our game on Wednesday.

Che Adams, Man Utd v Southampton February 2022

“In the first half, we weren’t fresh enough; it takes a little bit to find your rhythm and then you have to start running and playing football.

“We looked much better in the second half. They had a better first half, we had a better second so we will take the draw.”

Hasenhuttl admits tactics tough with tired legs

Adams scored his sixth top-flight goal of the campaign in the second period. And the Austrian feels the Scotland international’s contribution sums up the way his charges are playing.

“He scored a beautiful goal and worked hard for the team and this is what makes us strong at the moment,” added Hasenhuttl.

Saints tried to press their opponents high up the pitch right from the off. They were found wanting during the first 45 minutes but found their rhythm as the match wore on.

Hasenhuttl felt it was an inevitable consequence of playing while fatigued.

“The problem is when you want to press and you are not fresh, you are always a step behind. It is easy for the opponent,” he continued. “But the longer the game went, the more energy we got. It takes time and this is normal.

Jadon Sancho, Man Utd v Southampton February 2022

“It is super tough to play Wednesday night and Saturday lunchtime, especially against such a team but we had chances to win.

“Fantastic time at the moment with this team and very enjoyable. Really good to watch and fantastic from our side.”

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