Southampton have been the better side this half, and the hosts are deservedly ahead after Richard Chaplow absolutely obliterated a shot into the back of Anders Lindegaard's net just seconds before halftime. Manchester United have been fairly poor so far in this match - possibly a function of Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to deploy his reserve team rather than that any of his first-choice players - and they deserve to be behind after some frankly rubbish defending.
Southampton FC Vs. Manchester United: Richard Chaplow Puts Saints Ahead At Halftime
They were warned when Guilherme do Prado was free in acres of space to receive Danny Butterfield’s cross, only to be let off when the Brazilian headed well over, but they failed to take heed of the danger posed by Southampton and simply allowed Chaplow to waltz into the penalty area totally untouched. While Anderson stood around gawking at the midfielder’s nerve (how dare he violate the sanctity of the area), Chaplow had time to line up a vicious drive with the outside of his right boot, and milliseconds later it was 1-0.
The halftime whistle blew before much else could happen, but I can't expect Ferguson's too happy with the way things are going so far. His team have definitely been second best in this game - but if we've learned anything from United's 3-2 win over Blackpool it's that game are ninety minutes long.
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