Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United delivered another chaotic but ultimately victorious performance as they beat bottom Premier League side Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford.
Sheffield United took the lead when Andre Onana’s attempted pass across his own box to Diogo Dalot was intercepted by Jayden Bogle who scored the opener.
Harry Maguire headed in Alejandro Garnacho’s low cross to equalize and, in doing so, scored the 1,085th goal scored by any Premier League team this season – a record.
Harry Maguire’s goal against Sheffield United was the 1,085th goal scored in the Premier League this season, setting the record for the most goals scored in a team of 20. #PL campaign.#MUNSHU | #MUFC pic.twitter.com/daN3MOGRun
— Athletics | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 24, 2024
Ben Brereton Diaz put Sheffield United back in front only for Bruno Fernandes to equalize from the penalty spot when referee Michael Salisbury called a foul just before Dalot headed the ball home.
And Fernandes scored from 30 yards in the 81st minute to win the match before Rasmus Hojlund added a fourth to leave them sixth, three points clear of Newcastle United who lost to Crystal Palace.
Here AthleticismMark Critchley explains the main talking points
Where would United be without Bruno Fernandes?
That’s now seven goals in his last six league matches for Bruno Fernandes, including at least one in all of his last four.
United’s captain can sometimes be seen as a symbol of this team, and not in a good way: he is characterized as a reckless and impulsive player who tries to do everything too quickly, then whines and complains when things don’t go his way. not the way he wants.
But it’s an ungenerous view, neglecting not only his importance to everything United do, but also his willingness to take responsibility and support Ten Hag when they need him.
That’s exactly what he’s done in recent weeks, putting together several poor performances, perhaps none more so than tonight with a coldly taken penalty and his superb second.
This recent run of form, where Fernandes has dragged his teammates along with him during matches, is precisely why Ten Hag gave him the armband last summer and his captain is returning that faith.
How did they concede this time?
It was a closer race than it needed to be due to two defensive errors of the sort we’ve seen all season from United – one an individual error, the other a collective breakdown.
Which individual was responsible for the first one? It’s hard to argue with much of the blame falling on Andre Onana, who has pulled United out of several holes in recent weeks, but landed them in one this time with a loose pass across his box.
At the same time, Diogo Dalot was not particularly quick to read the intention behind Onana’s pass and was then slow to collect the loose ball, allowing Jayden Bogle to pounce.
Sheffield United’s second goal came from a common thread throughout United’s season that simply won’t go away: concessions following cutbacks. Since conceding their first ever goals of the campaign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in August, the problem has resurfaced time and time again.
The extent of the disruption caused by injuries – particularly in defense – could not have helped the understanding, but when Gustavo Hamer dragged three United players with him before turning to play Ben Osborn on the left, you knew what was going to happen. This is an ongoing problem that Ten Hag has shown little sign of solving.
Why are United struggling against low blocks?
Think about your typical performance at Manchester United over the last few months and it usually doesn’t involve having to break a low block.
Ten Hag’s side have become accustomed to turning matches into messy back-and-forths with plenty of space for both teams, but this was the second of three games in a week where the opposition didn’t want to play to the ball.
For a poorly trained team that must be patient and probe for gaps, United still racked up the number of shots on Sunday against Coventry City – with 28 in 120 minutes – and again tonight with 25.
While they weren’t all brilliantly clear-cut chances, United created enough to break down the door and force their way to all three points.
United have played most of this season on one parameter: fast, direct counter-attacks. But they need another one to become a better, more complete team. It was a reminder that they can still fight their way to victory.
What did Erik ten Hag say?
We’ll bring you that after his speech at the post-match press conference.
What future for Manchester United?
Saturday April 27: Burnley (H), Premier League, 3 p.m. BST, 10 a.m. ET
Burnley make the short trip to Old Trafford with the scent of Premier League survival in their nostrils, having lost just once in seven league matches to move to within three points of fourth bottom Nottingham Forest with four matches everyone to play.
United won the reverse fixture 1-0 in September and have only been beaten by northern neighbors Turf Moor once in 17 meetings over the last 14 years.
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(Photo: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)