Mark Hughes insists he is quite happy with his side’s performance in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United despite throwing out the lead pretty easily.
United fell to a successive second draw after playing out a stalemate with Crystal Palace. Jose Mourinho brought in a number of changes to cope up with the Southampton pressure but it was the home side who drew the first blood.
Michael Obafemi continued to influence the Saints as he teed off Stuart Armstrong with a wonderful ball and the latter made no mistake as he shot it past David De Gea to open the proceedings.
Cedric Soares then doubled the advantage with a brilliant free kick to pile more misery on the Red Devils. Romelu Lukaku ended his goal drought as the Belgian reduced the deficit to offer some hope to the visitors.
Ander Herrera then flicked in from a Marcus Rashford cross to complete the comeback.
Hughes said, “Given the circumstances of the game and going into a 2-0 lead and playing very well, causing them problems. To concede the goals we did, a little bit too easily in my view, is an area that has hurt us at times this season.
“I thought we were a lot better in the second half and we restricted United to very few opportunities. I don’t recall too many occasions where we’ve needed Alex [McCarthy] to help us out.
“Overall, it’s a good performance as clearly we were up against a club of huge resources and sometimes you’ve got to go toe-to-toe and see where it takes you.
“For the most part we were the team in the ascendancy, we were the team asking questions in the opposition half and that’s good. That’s how it has to be and overall it can’t be a disappointing view on the night.”
