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Scary scenes as Lukaku stretchered off with head injury

Jose Mourinho's recent frustrations continued at Old Trafford as he lost Romelu Lukaku to a worrying head injury in Manchester United's goalless Premier League draw with Southampton.

Paul Pogba had a late effort ruled out for offside and a third successive league draw over the holiday period has effectively ended United's hopes of competing with league leaders Manchester City for the title in the new year.

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City could extend their advantage over United -- who are third -- to 17 points if they beat Crystal Palace on Monday.

Adding to his concerns, Mourinho now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of his star striker's injury.

Lukaku and Hoedt clash heads. Image: Getty
Lukaku and Hoedt clash heads. Image: Getty

Lukaku, whom Mourinho had admitted in the build-up to the game is desperately in need of a rest, lasted just eight minutes before being stretchered off.

His injury came from an innocuous challenge with Wesley Hoedt, but one in which the Southampton defender clashed heads with the United man, striking the back of his skull.

Scary scenes. Image: Getty
Scary scenes. Image: Getty

The Belgian striker needed a full five minutes of on-field treatment before being carried off the field and replaced by Marcus Rashford, although his afternoon had already started in disappointing fashion.

Lukaku was on the end of a perfect Juan Mata cross after three minutes but could only head his effort over from six yards.

As United struggled to adjust to Lukaku's departure, Southampton looked far more threatening.