Manchester United dropped points for a second consecutive Premier League match, as the 10-man Reds were held to a goalless draw against relegation candidate Southampton, in what was Saints’ third draw in four seasons at Old Trafford.
Leading with his studs, the Brazilian midfielder was sent off for the second time in three Premier League matches, having previously never been shown a straight red card during his 13 years as a professional player.
It was a low point in what had been a frustrating half for United, with the Reds having failed to shake off last weekend’s mauling at Anfield.
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At the opposite end of the pitch, the United players ended the half with an optimistic shout for a penalty, but protests that Armel Bella-Kotchap had handled inside the area were swiftly waved away by referee Taylor.
Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes would see a speculative strike from outside the area pushed onto the post by Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, as United began pushing for an against-the-odds victory of their own.
Running out of time, the United efforts turned desperate, with the in-form Marcus Rashford appearing to go down under minimal to no contact from Bazunu, as referee Taylor once again stood unmoved by the shouts for a penalty.
It means Rubén Sellés extends his impressive league record in charge of Southampton to three matches unbeaten out of four, as their survival challenge continues with a potentially season-defining point at Old Trafford.
