In a nail-biting clash, Manchester United secured a 3-2 victory over Sheffield United, thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ late strike. The win offered a momentary relief for Erik ten Hag’s side amidst a turbulent season marred by inconsistent performances.
With just nine minutes remaining on the clock, Fernandes latched onto a Kobbie Mainoo pass and unleashed a fierce shot past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, putting Manchester United ahead. The Red Devils were now faced with the challenge of preserving their lead, a task they have struggled with throughout the season.
Rasmus Højlund sealed the win for Manchester United with a goal in the dying minutes, providing a cushion for his team and a positive note for Jason Wilcox, the incoming technical director.
The match showcased the recurring theme of Manchester United’s season: flashes of brilliance in attack coupled with defensive lapses. Despite taking the lead twice through Harry Maguire and a Fernandes penalty, defensive errors allowed Sheffield United to respond with goals from Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Díaz.
Ten Hag acknowledged the team’s resilience but emphasized the need to address defensive vulnerabilities, stating, “We gave it away; it can’t happen, unacceptable.”
Manchester United started the game without the injured Marcus Rashford and saw Diogo Dalot testing Foderingham early on. The team’s ability to create scoring opportunities was evident, but the inability to close out games remained a concern.
Despite dominating possession, Manchester United found themselves trailing twice due to lapses in concentration. However, the team showcased character, rallying back to level the score before Fernandes’ late winner.
The match also marked a milestone for Manchester United as Ethan Wheatley became the club’s 250th academy product to feature for the first team.
With this win, Manchester United will look to build momentum and address their defensive frailties as they continue their Premier League campaign.
Credit: The Guardian Sport
