Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes led from the entrance to make sure one other chaotic efficiency finally led to victory in opposition to relegation-threatened Sheffield United at Previous Trafford.

However Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot earlier than driving Manchester United in entrance from 25 yards 9 minutes from time.

The Portuguese created a primary aim since February for striker Rasmus Hojlund 4 minutes later to maneuver his aspect as much as sixth spot and earn reward from his supervisor.

“He confirmed his management,” mentioned Ten Hag.

“He tried to encourage the workforce and he’s additionally in good type. We put him in the appropriate place and when he’s there, he makes the appropriate choices.

“He can create rather a lot, rating, help and make key actions. We’re very completely satisfied together with his efficiency and his angle.”

Fernandes has now scored seven targets and picked up two assists in Manchester United’s previous 5 video games.

In whole, there have been 27 targets in that interval. Manchester United have conceded and scored a minimum of two in all of these video games.

In leisure phrases, it’s sensational. Nonetheless, there may be zero sense of construction and it could possibly solely be questioned what new technical director Jason Wilcox product of it as he watched from the Previous Trafford administrators’ field for the primary time since his appointment was confirmed final week.

Ten Hag had railed in opposition to the media the day earlier than the sport, labelling vital protection of his aspect’s FA Cup semi-final victory on penalties over Coventry “embarrassing” and “a shame” – however his workforce did not comply with up by convincing on the pitch.

And not using a win since February, Sheffield United led twice, via Jayden Bogle within the first-half and Ben Brereton Diaz within the second.

Harry Maguire’s deft header pulled the house aspect degree on the primary event, earlier than Fernandes took management.

Fernandes the saviour after Onana error

Ten Hag has confronted issues of damage and type amongst his squad in latest weeks. Goalkeeper Andre Onana, throughout the turbulence, had been a dependable determine.

The Cameroon goalkeeper appeared to have put his poor early-season type behind him. His latest performances had deserved credit score, given he has been standing behind one of many Premier League’s leakiest-ever defences by way of pictures allowed to the opposition. A defence that can’t push excessive has not allowed him the exhibit his full passing vary, however he had typically completed nicely.

Towards Sheffield United, although, Onana had a second to neglect. In passing the ball in the direction of Diogo Dalot from inside his personal six-yard space, the goalkeeper allowed Jayden Bogle to cost on to it. The 23-year-old’s forceful burst took him to inside taking pictures vary and he expertly drove his effort into the far nook.

On the touchline, Ten Hag regarded a lonely determine.

The Sheffield United followers had some enjoyable on the Dutchman’s expense, as they reminded him they hardly ever win away from dwelling. To be utterly correct, they’ve hardly ever received anyplace this season. The final of their earlier three triumphs got here at Luton in February.

It’s this type of injury Manchester United can not cease inflicting on themselves – and it makes successful matches a lot tougher than obligatory.

Even after Maguire had turned dwelling Alejandro Garnacho’s cross to convey them degree earlier than the break, they nonetheless fell asleep in their very own penalty space to present Sheffield United the lead for a second time.

Fernandes, with two targets and an help, stepped in to save lots of them. His second, an excellent 25-yard drive, was the spotlight – however the trade that created Hojlund’s aim was worthy of reward as nicely.

The general show shouldn’t be a recipe for sustained success, though after the previous few weeks, Ten Hag might be simply grateful to get the win.

A constructive evening for Blades however nonetheless a defeat

In a season of virtually unrelenting gloom at Bramall Lane, this represents one of many undoubted excessive factors.

Again in September, the Blades led at Tottenham heading into damage time, however misplaced. In December, they drew at Aston Villa.

Whereas they nearly definitely will not be again at Previous Trafford within the Premier League subsequent season, their supporters could have the reminiscence of a spirited show, tinged with remorse that their workforce couldn’t maintain their lead for greater than a mixed whole of 16 minutes and finally succumbed to Fernandes’ brilliance.

Not that’s ought to come as any shock. They’ve now conceded 92 targets, overtaking Derby’s earlier report of 89 in a 38-game high flight season. The Premier League report of 100 – set by Swindon in a 42-game season in 1993-94, may but be handed. They’ve now conceded 26 targets of their previous eight video games – and they don’t have the category that might enable them to by some means overcome the weak point.

Chris Wilder’s aspect can be relegated in the event that they lose at Newcastle on Saturday. A draw, and they might successfully nonetheless be down due to their vastly inferior aim distinction. However regardless of the outcome, the drop is inevitable anyway.

There have been positives, mainly a sequence of first-half saves from Wes Foderingham and a mature efficiency from younger midfielder Oliver Arblaster, remarkably Sheffield United’s seventh captain of the season.

However their return to the Championship will quickly be official. And so they do not actually deserve any higher.