Moyes seeks killer instinct

MANAGER David Moyes has admitted Manchester United need to rediscover their killer instinct if they are to become a Premier League force again.

United wasted a host of chances at Old Trafford on Saturday and were punished by Adam Lallana’s late equaliser for Southampton.

Moyes’ side remains anchored in mid–table, heading newly–promoted Hull on goal difference and, amazingly, in points terms, closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

But United hit the crossbar twice, forced Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc into a couple of crucial saves and exerted enough pressure to win easily.

For Moyes, it has been the story of a difficult season to date - something he is eager to rectify.

“One of the things we will be looking to try to do is finish matches off,” he said.

“We have had some opportunities. But I have been saying that near enough from the start.

“We have had quite a few chances and not taken them. While it is like that you are at risk.”

Moyes refuted the claim he had created the opening for Southampton’s late rally by making the defensive substitution of Chris Smalling for Wayne Rooney in a bid to hold on to what he had rather than push forward looking for a second.

United take on Real Sociedad in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday with injury doubts over veteran defensive pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who both missed Saturday’s game with minor knocks.