Moyes rues missed chances

Manchester United manager David Moyes rued his side’s missed opportunities as they drew 1-1 at home to Southampton on Saturday.

Robin van Persie put United in front after 26 minutes at Old Trafford but, as both Wayne Rooney and the Dutchman struck the crossbar in the hunt for a second, Adam Lallana’s scrappy goal from a corner a minute from time secured a point for the visitors and cost Moyes’ side a much-needed victory.

After the game, the manager expressed his frustration at his side’s failure to kill off the contest and lamented poor defending from a fairly routine set piece to concede.

“We had good opportunities to get the game finished off,” he said.

“While it was 1-0 there was always a chance Southampton could get something, but I thought we’d seen it out until they got the corner late on.

“We work on it (defending set pieces) but we didn’t do well enough.

“We had pockets of play when we were very good and others where we weren’t so good so it was a mixed game at times but we still had chances which I was hoping we’d finish off.

“We’ve had opportunities to get the goals and see games off but we’ve got to do better at defending set pieces as well and be harder to score against at the end.”

Despite the result, Moyes felt the performance of Adnan Januzaj, who signed a five-year contract with the club earlier in the day, was one bright note, with the young midfielder playing a crucial role in United’s goal.

“He is worthy of his place,” said Moyes.

“He’s not looked out of place, he’s creating goals and was part of our best passing movements.

“He’s a very talented player and we’ll try to use him at the right times and make sure we get the best out of him.

“He didn’t disappoint today, he did a really good job.”