Man Utd must ‘change’ to make top four after Southampton stumble

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Manchester United defender Luke Shaw warned there is “no way” the Red Devils will reach the Champions League next season if they continue to throw away leads after a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday. For the third consecutive game, United let a 1-0 half-time lead slip as Che Adams’ strike early in the second period earned the Saints a deserved point. Jadon Sancho’s first Premier League goal at home rewarded a bright start from Ralf Rangnick’s men.

Yet the Red Devils again failed to build on their advantage and were punished when Adams slotted in off the inside of the post two minutes into the second half. A point edges United level on points with fourth-placed West Ham. But Arsenal are just a point behind with two games in hand, while Tottenham have played three fewer games and are four points back.

“We started really well the first 20 minutes, got the goal and it just happened again. We know it’s not good enough and it needs to change quickly,” said Shaw. “We want to get in the Champions League and it’s not good enough.

There’s no way we will get in the Champions League if we keep dropping points.” Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled by Rangnick after being dropped to the bench for a disappointing 1-1 draw at bottom-of-the-table Burnley on Tuesday. That followed a FA Cup exit to Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties after the scores were level at 1-1 after extra time. Rangnick had to cope with more leaks in the press this week that the United players are unhappy with his coaching techniques.