VIDEO: Theatrical simulation at Old Trafford: Fernandes and Rashford both tried to beg for penalties

Although the match of the 27th round of the Fortuna League between Manchester United and Southampton did not offer a goal, the spectators were certainly not bored. Both teams hit the bar, the head referee communicated with VAR several times. The frequent consultations of the referees were aided by the willing downs of the home players.

Manchester didn’t open the game as dominantly as they did against Real Betis in the week. Saints were an evenly matched opponent and were outnumbered from the 34th minute when Casemiro saw a red card for a hooker. Although the Brazilian midfielder didn’t mean to foul, he unluckily hit his shin.

From that moment on, the Red Devils felt irritated for the rest of the game, which they showed in a very unsportsmanlike manner at times. In the 40th minute, Bruno Fernandes went down in the whitewash and intensely claimed a foul. He was immediately joined by Jan Bednarek, who was angered by the protest.

And after watching the replay, the Polish stopper cannot be surprised. Bruno did in fact slide Kyle Walker Peters over and then deliberately left his right foot behind.

A minute later, a more controversial situation arose when Armel Bella-Kotchap, according to the stands, worked the ball in the box with his hand. However, none of the shots showed obvious arm play and referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to continue.

After the change of sides, the one-man dominance of the away side became more and more apparent, Saints were angry and kept the ball, but the home side had chances too. Fernandes struck the bar, as did Walker Peters for Southampton.

In the 75th minute, Marcus Rashford raced at goalkeeper Gavin Bazun, overhit the ball and then went down. Replays revealed minor contact, yet Rashford’s willingness to beg for a penalty is evident.

The English striker earned a big “hey” from fans on the internet for his failed simulation.

The 0-0 draw was probably taken by both teams. For Southampton it means a valuable point from the ground of a big favourite, the Red Devils played over an hour shorthanded even with the setup.

Source: Twitter