United stay fifth after Saints grab late leveller
CGTN

Southampton denied Manchester United's chance to make it into top four in the Premier League after equalizing the game 2-2 in the 96th minute on Monday.

United could have challenged their top-four rivals Chelsea and Leicester had they kept the 2-1 lead till the end. With three games left, United will have to win them to earn Champions League qualification.

Stuart Armstrong gave the visitors an early lead in the 12th minute, but the match was quickly evened by Marcus Rushford.

Pogba played the ball in to Martial who held off two Saints defenders before setting for Rashford who made no mistake with a left-foot finish in the 20th minute.

Three minutes later,  Bruno Fernandes fed Martial on the left and the French international cut inside and smashed the ball home.

"The mentality has been brilliant. We have had a few setbacks this season. This is another challenge for us," said Solskjaer.

Michael Obafemi of Southampton (R) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK, July 13, 2020. /VCG

Michael Obafemi of Southampton (R) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK, July 13, 2020. /VCG

Man United now sits fifth on the standing, while their hope for a Champions League seat is still very much alive.

Leicester City are fourth, ahead of United on goal difference, with Chelsea third on 60 points. City and title winners Liverpool have already secured Champions League places for next season.

The Saints now sit five points outside of the top 10 and level on points with Everton.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Anthony Martial of Manchester United  (C) in action during the Premier League match against Southampton at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK, July 13, 2020. /VCG)