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ROMELU LUKAKU will miss a return to his former club Everton tomorrow after being stretchered off in a drab 0-0 draw against Southampton.

Lukaku, who missed a good chance after only four minutes to put Manchester United in front, clashed heads with Southampton’s Wesley Hoedt as they both went for a high ball.

 Romelu Lukaku clashed heads with Wesley Hoedt at Old Trafford
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Romelu Lukaku clashed heads with Wesley Hoedt at Old TraffordCredit: Rex Features
 Romelu Lukaku was stretchered off after a nasty collision of heads
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Romelu Lukaku was stretchered off after a nasty collision of headsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

He needed to be treated on the pitch for six minutes before being stretchered off with an oxygen mask on his face.

He was being assessed in the Old Trafford home dressing room before a decision was made on whether he needed to go to hospital

Back out on the pitch United suffered more festive frustration as they drew their third game in a row.

With Chelsea’s win at home to Stoke they have now dropped to third place behind the Champions.

 Lukaku lied motionless on the floor as concerned team-mates watched over him
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Lukaku lied motionless on the floor as concerned team-mates watched over himCredit: AFP or licensors
 Paul Pogba had a goal ruled out for offside when it appeared the ball was already heading in
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Paul Pogba had a goal ruled out for offside when it appeared the ball was already heading inCredit: AFP or licensors
 Paul Pogba tapped the ball home form an offside position
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Paul Pogba tapped the ball home form an offside positionCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Manchester United goal is dis-allowed after Paul Pogba touches the ball from an offside position - Was the ball going in anyway?

The idea of catching leaders Manchester City has long since been forgotten.

They could be 17 points ahead of their neighbours by tomorrow.

The problem now is keeping ahead of the rest with Chelsea and Liverpool now threatening their status in the top three.

After conceding to an injury time goal at Leicester and then having to rely on an injury time goal to get a draw at home to Burnley this was a chance to get back to winning ways.

Jose Mourinho gives us his thoughts on the decisions that went against Manchester United in match against Southampton
 Shane Long missed a golden chance to give Southampton the lead
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Shane Long missed a golden chance to give Southampton the leadCredit: Reuters
 David De Gea was forced to make a string of important saves
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David De Gea was forced to make a string of important savesCredit: Reuters

INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared

Manchester United winger Ashley Young elbows Dusan Tadic as Southampton corner is taken
 Mkhitaryan was handed a rare start but was hooked off on the hour
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Mkhitaryan was handed a rare start but was hooked off on the hourCredit: AFP or licensors
Should the Maya Yoshida handball be a penalty kick for Manchester United?

They had the best of the opportunities but could also easily have lost as David De Gea made an incredible stop with an outstretched boot to deflect his shot over the bar just after the break.

The main problem was in the delivery with Henrikh Mkihitaryan particularly wayward with his crossing when chances on the break opened up.

United were also furious at being denied a penalty on 33 minutes when Maya Yoshida appeared to handle the ball as Jesse LIngard tried to flick it past him.

INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on a player’s number below to see their stats

The best goals of 2017 from the English Premier League

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