Man Utd Continue Incredible Old Trafford Record Despite Late Draw With Southampton
By Ali Rampling
Manchester United may have let two points slip through their fingers against Southampton, but by avoiding defeat against the Saints they have ensured one remarkable home record has remained intact.
The Red Devils conceded a 96th-minute Michael Obafemi equaliser to draw 2-2 at Old Trafford, missing the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea and Leicester into the Champions League spots.
United had trailed inside 12 minutes, but had got themselves within touching distance of all three points thanks to a fabulously worked Marcus Rashford goal and a stunning solo effort from Anthony Martial.
In the end, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side had to settle for a point but by avoiding defeat it means the Red Devils have still never lost a Premier League match at Old Trafford when they've been leading at half time, as pointed out by BBC Sport.
In the 291 Premier League games where United have been in front at the break, they have won 272, and - thanks to Monday evening's point against Southampton - drawn 19.
It's an extraordinary record, kickstarted by the resilience, dependability and relentlessness of Sir Alex Ferguson's famous United sides. And yet it never wavered through the less successful days of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
United do lose at home - they're only human - but when they take winning positions they are a force to be reckoned with.
What is most remarkable about this statistic is not only the extraordinary consistency, but the incredible win percentage. United have won 94% of their home games when they have been leading at half time. The sheer volume of winning mentality in the Old Trafford dressing rooms over the past 28 years is mightily impressive.
Although United's slight slip up against the Saints leaves them outside the top four, Champions League qualification is still very much in their hands.
The Red Devils face fourth place Leicester on the final day of the season, with just goal difference currently separating the two sides. Just unfortunately for Solskjaer's side, it's not at Old Trafford.