United miss out on Europe as season ends with draw

Manchester United will not play European football next season as the curtain came down on a very poor campaign with a 1-1 draw at Southampton.

Ryan Giggs' men needed victory and for Spurs to lose to sneak a spot in the Europa League - but it wasn't to be, with United held on the south coast and Tottenham firing three beyond Villa without reply.

The Red Devils thus end their poorest Premier League campaign sitting in seventh spot, with big changes now anticipated in the months ahead. Announcements could be set to follow very shortly.

Giggs, who did not name himself in the starting XI or amongst the substitutes, watched on as his team were fortunate to avoid conceding an early penalty following an apparent handball Nemanja Vidic.

Southampton had started far more brightly and deservedly grabbed the lead on 28 minutes. Steven Davis' through ball found Rickie Lambert, and the England hopeful coolly guided his slot beyond David De Gea. United protested, as Vidic lay on the ground with a blooded nose following an aerial challenge with Lambert in the build-up, but referee Mike Dean ignored their pleas.

Parity was restored eight minutes after the interval. After a positive start to the second-half, Juan Mata guided a stunning free-kick home to the delight of the travelling Red Army, in terrific voice as a largely forgettable season drew to a close.

Darren Fletcher and Danny Welbeck both had chances to snatch the points for United as the travelling Reds controlled the second period for long spells, but the draw was ultimately the fair result.

So, a forgettable season comes to an end - but United will be back! The away support were in tremendous voice throughout, and paid tribute to centre-half Vidic, who leaves the club following years of tremendous service. Question marks remain over who will follow the Serbian out the exit door. 

Full Time - Southampton 1-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 31,372