Manchester United 4-2 Sheffield United (Apr 24, 2024) Game Analysis

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes got here to his facet’s rescue with two objectives in a 4-2 dwelling victory over the Premier League’s backside membership Sheffield United on Wednesday simply when extra hassle loomed for beleaguered supervisor Erik ten Hag.

Twice United trailed with Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz each heading in the right direction for the guests however Fernandes helped avert one other damaging outcome.

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He levelled from the penalty spot within the 61st minute after a foul on Harry Maguire, scorer of United’s first equaliser.

Fernandes then smacked dwelling a scorching left-footed shot to edge his facet in entrance earlier than organising Rasmus Højlund to lastly subdue their battling opponents.

“On the finish we got here again. We put ourselves able the place it is powerful to win video games. But additionally it exhibits a little bit of character,” the Portuguese midfielder mentioned.

“We’re scoring a number of objectives. It is nearly that compactness we have to have as a staff.”

It was one other far-from-convincing show from Ten Hag’s facet though victory moved United into sixth place to maintain them within the hunt for a European qualifying spot.

“Many positives as we speak,” Ten Hag mentioned. “The resilience to combat again after dropping two instances. But additionally there have been negatives. We gave it away, it will possibly’t occur, unacceptable, now we have to be taught from this.”

Time is sort of up for Sheffield United who’ve solely 16 factors from 34 video games and may very well be relegated on the weekend.

United’s FA Cup semifinal win on penalties was dubbed embarrassing in some quarters after squandering a 3-0 lead in opposition to second-tier Coventry Metropolis and being spared defeat solely by a controversially disallowed objective in further time.

Ten Hag got here out preventing this week, branding the criticism disgraceful however the Dutchman seemed to be staring into the abyss as his facet once more conjured hassle of their very own making.

They may and may have been nicely forward as possibilities went begging and Sheffield United keeper Wes Foderingham pulled off a number of nice saves, one from Diogo Dalot within the opening minute and one other from teenager Kobbie Mainoo.

However United keeper André Onana then gifted the guests the lead within the thirty fifth minute with a dreadful cross out that was intercepted by Bogle who ran by way of to attain.

United have been degree earlier than half-time as Alejandro Garnacho, one of many shining lights in a poor season, whipped in a low cross that Maguire delicately glanced in together with his head.

The second half was solely 5 minutes outdated when United’s defence was breached all too simply with Ben Osborn reducing again a cross for Brereton Diaz to stab excessive into the online.

United appeared surprised however have been handed a lifeline when Maguire went down within the field and Fernandes stepped as much as ship his kick into the nook.

However United have been handed a lifeline when Maguire went down within the field and Fernandes stepped as much as ship his kick into the nook. Fernandes then confirmed his class with an outstanding end and United may lastly breathe simple as Hojlund, who scored the profitable penalty on Sunday, steered in Fernandes’ cross.

“He’s actually main the staff. I am very glad together with his efficiency,” a grateful Ten Hag mentioned of his skipper.