Man United vs Sheffield United - Premier League RECAP (2024)

A really good couple of days for Man United in the race for European football.

Tonight's win has seen the Red Devils capitalise on defeats for Chelsea and Newcastle over the last two days.

Man United are now sixth in the Premier League and are in the box seat to secure Europa League football next season.

Here is how the table looks following Man United's victory and Newcastle's defeat.

A couple of stats from Opta following Man United's victory.

Man United scored four goals in a Premier League home game for the first time this season, with their last such instance coming in May last year against Chelsea (4-1).

Man United have conceded 50 Premier League goals this season. They’ve now conceded 50+ in two of their last three campaigns, having done so in just one of the first 29.

That last stat feels particularly telling of where Man United are at.

Mail Sport's Chris Wheeler offers his verdict from Old Trafford as Bruno Fernandes came to Man United's rescue.

'No team is too bad for United right now. No challenge too easy for Ten Hag,' he writes.

'The pieces are falling into place for Ineos and Ten Hag continues to give his employers plenty of reasons to decide he won’t be part of their plans.'

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Erik ten Hag has dismissed suggestions there was panic among his Man United side after twice falling behind tonight.

The Man United boss praised his side's composure in an interview with the BBC.

Mail Sport's player ratings are in from Old Trafford with Nathan Salt running the rule over Man United's squad this evening.

You will not be surprised to know that Bruno Fernandes has scored highly.

A few Man United players though failed to impress against the Blades.

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Bruno Fernandes has been speaking to Sky Sports following Man United's victory.

He admits the club have not won as many games as they should have recently, but praised team's character in coming from behind twice to beat Sheffield United this evening.

As mentioned Wheatley's debut means 250 academy graduates have now featured for Man United's first team.

A great couple of days for Ethan Wheatley.

His brace on Tuesday night earned Man United a 2-1 win over Man City in the Premeir League Cup final.

The youngster was then handed his Man United senior debut tonight.

No surprise to hear that Bruno Fernandes has been named man of the match.

Two goals and an assist for the Man United captain.

Fernandes was central to a crucial comeback win.

The whistle sounds on an eventful evening at Old Trafford as Man United claim all three points.

Erik ten Hag's side fell behind twice but bounced back to earn a crucial victory.

Man United move up to sixth in the Premier League with that victory, as Newcastle have been beaten by Crystal Palace.

A good night for Man United in the end.

Fernandes now looks intent on setting up Wheatley in the dying seconds.

The Man United captain crosses for the youngster but Ahmedhodzic gets across to clear.

Wheatley is trying to make his presence known, chasing down a Sheffield United defender to win a throw.

Four minutes remain at Old Trafford.

All smiles from Erik ten Hag the match enters nine minutes of stoppage time.

The Dutchman encourages Ethan Wheatley, who is coming on to make his first team debut.

Believe he becomes Man United's 250th academy graduate to make a first team appearance.

Sofyan Amrabat is also on with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund making way.

Gustavo Hamer bends a free kick wide of the target for Sheffield United.

The Blades are still plugging away but are on the brink of another defeat.

Hojlund has his goal and Man United have surely sealed all three points!

A real poacher's finish as Hojlund steers in Bruno Fernandes cross from inside the six-yard box.

The Dane races straight to Fernandes to celebrate his first goal since February.

The drought is over.

No matter the chaos recently, Fernandes has been repeatedly delivering for Man United.

Stunner from Fernandes who may well have won this for Man United.

The Man United captain takes matters into his own hands from range and his left footed effort flies past Foderingham.

Nothing the Sheffled United goalkeeper could do about that.

Man United lead for the first time tonight.

Another change from Man United as Norwood comes on for the closing stages in place of Bogle.

Mayhem in the Man United box.

Sheffield United work their first corner of the match short and it catches out the hosts.

Brereton Diaz is picked out from a cutback and lashes a shot towards goal, which is deflect and could go anywhere.

Fortunately for Man United it deflects to Ahmedhodzic, who shanks a volley high into the Manchester night sky.

A couple of changes to bring you up to date with.

Scott McTominay is on for Man United in place of Christian Eriksen, while James McAtee has replaced Cameron Archer for Sheffield United.

Chances at both ends.

Dalot goes close from a Man United corner, nearing flicking one into the near post.

Brereton Diaz goes agonisingly close for Sheffield United at the other end.

The Chile international takes aim from outside the box and sees his effort deflected into the side netting.

Onana was left stranded by the deflection

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport, at Old Trafford:

Man United are level anyway!

Fernandes converts from the spot and quickly grabs the ball and leads the way back to the halfway line.

A superb spot kick into the top left corner.

Sheffield United now have the outright most goals conceded in a 38-game Premier League season.

What a chance for Man United and Diogo Dalot!

Dalot is played clean through on goal but takes an absolute age to get a shot away.

Before he can pull the trigger, Trusty gets back to make a challenge to clear the danger.

Here come Sheffield United again.

Cameron Archer robs Christian Eriksen out wide, with Casemiro forced to come across to snuff out the danger.

Blimey.

Sheffield United stun Man United again with Ben Brereton Diaz firing the vistors ahead.

It is a well worked goal too as Hamer slides as pass down the left, Ben Osborn flashes a ball into the penalty area and there is Brereton Diaz.

The on-loan forward hits it first time into the roof of the net.

What a start to the half for Sheffield United!

As things stand Man United will remain seventh in the Premier League, level on points with sixth placed Newcastle.

Newcastle are currently drawing with Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe’s side have the goal difference advantage in the race for the Europa League.

Back underway at Old Trafford with one half-time change to report.

Vinicius Souza replaces Andre Brooks for Sheffield United for the second half.

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport, at Old Trafford:

I mentioned it earlier on, but Sheffield United have now matched Derby's record of 89 goals conceded in a 38 game Premier League season

Great stat here from Opta.

Harry Maguire's effort means there have now been more goals in this Premier League season than any other in the 20-team era.

The whistle goes and the atmosphere is muted at Old Trafford.

Man United will feel a mix of relief and frustration that they are level at the break.

Erik ten Hag's side have had all the play, but Onana gifted Sheffield United the lead after his poor pass was cut out.

Maguire stepped up with a quick response to level the match level at the break.

Chris Wilder appears to have words with the officials with the Blades angered by the awarding of the free kick that let to the equaliser.

Foderingham prevents Man United from going ahead!

It is straightforward ball over the top of the Sheffield United defence that catches out the Blades.

Rasmus Hojlund knocks the ball into the path of Alejandro Garnacho, who sees an effort kept out by the Foderingham diving to his right.

Foderingham has justified his recall in goal tonight.

Relief at Old Trafford!

Harry Maguire scores against his old club again. The Man United centre back flicks Garnacho's cross into the net.

A brief VAR check to see whether Maguire is in an offside position, but the goal is given.

Man United are level before the break.

Onana owes Maguire one.

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport, at Old Trafford:

Howler from Onana!

The Man United goalkeeper plays a wayward pass under pressure and Jayden Bogle pounces.

Bogle races onto the pass, takes a touch into the box and fires past the Man United goalkeeper.

A shocker from the Man United goalkeeper.

Another excellent stop from Foderingham, although the flag is up again.

The Blades goalkeeper wasn't to know.

He dived to his right to keep out a close range effort from Mainoo.

Nearly the Danish connection paying off for Man United.

Eriksen slides a superb pass through for Hojlund to pick out the forward's run.

A tight angle for Hojlund but he gets a shot away and forces Foderingham to block with his legs.

The possession stats tell a story.

As we approach the half hour mark, Man United have had 83 per cent possession.

The hosts have racked up 10 shots on goal as well.

Still goalless though.

The pressure builds.

Bruno Fernandes' cross is pushed out by Foderingham, with Antony's follow-up blocked.

Moments later, Antony sends a effort wide of the target from a similar position.

Super stop from Foderingham to deny Garnacho the opener.

The Argentina exchanges passes and breaks into the Sheffield United box.

Garnarcho looks poised to score after the Blades defence is cut open, but Foderingham dives to his left to turn his effort away from point blank range.

That should be 1-0 to Man United.

Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox are picked out by the cameras in the director's box at Old Trafford.

Wonder what they are making of the opening stages tonight.

Casemiro has seen another header from a corner drift wide, while the bright Garnacho sees an effort held by Foderingham.

At the other end, Sheffield United waste an opening with Brereton Diaz failing to pick out a pass after robbing Eriksen of possession

That's not to say Sheffield United have not been a threat themselves.

Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz get efforts away on the Man United goal in quick succession.

Archer's left footed effort from the edge of the box dribbles wide of Onana's post with the goalkeeper untroubled.

Onana was called into action by Brereton Diaz but a comfortable stop for the Man United shot stopper.

Casemiro thumps the turf in frustration after heading wide from a corner.

A decent opportunity that.

Man United have started brightly here with Sheffield United forced to scramble behind after a dangerous attack from the hosts to give away that set piece.

Man United come flooding forward as Mainoo releases Antony with a first time pass.

The Brazilian nudges the ball on for Bruno Fernandes, who squares looking for Rasmus Hojlund.

The Dane allows the ball to roll into the path of the onrushing Alejandro Garnacho, who is denied by a superb block from Ahmedhodzic.

It would not have counted though, with the flag going up against Fernandes for offside.

Interesting tweak from Man United tonight.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot have switch positions from the FA Cup semi-final.

Wan-Bissaka is at right back with Dalot moving to the left.

Sheffield United have put together their first move of the match with Andre Brooks getting in down the left.

His cross is gathered by Onana but the flag was up anyway.

Some sign of intent from the Blades though.

Nearly the perfect start for Man United as Diogo Dalot goes close to opening the scoring on their first attack.

Dalot sets his sights from range with his left footed effort needing to be tipped over by Foderingham.

Great effort.

Referee Michael Salisbury gets the game underway.

Can Man United boost their European hopes or will the Blades spring a surprise.

We are about to find out.

The two teams are in the Old Trafford tunnel and sporting some bold jackets.

Perfect time then to remind you of the respective team news.

Man United: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund.

Subs: Bayindir, Amrabat, McTominay, Diallo, Forson, Amass, Ogunneye, Jackson, Wheatley.

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Trusty, Ahmedhodzic, Holgate, Brooks, Osborn, Arblaster, Hamer, Bogle, Archer, Brereton.

Subs: Grbic, Norwood, Vini Souza, Ben Slimane, Larouci, Curtis, Osula, Hampson.

For those of you wondering, Sheffield United cannot be relegated even if they lose at Old Trafford tonight.

A defeat at the weekend would leave the Blades at risk this weekend.

Back to back defeats against Man United and Newcastle would confirm their return to the Championship.

Should Sheffield United lose tonight and beat Newcastle on the weekend, they could still be relegated if Nottingham Forest match or better their result against Man City.

Man United have been watchable on the pitch this season due to the chaotic nature of their matches.

They have been almost as watchable off it recently given the overhaul taking place under minority owners Ineos.

Technical director Jason Wilcox, who joined Man United last week, has been pictured arriving for his first match at Old Trafford in the role.

Reports this week have suggested Wilcox will be undertaking an audit of Erik ten Hag's management over the next month as the club prepare to finalise his future.

Erik ten Hag has been speaking ahead of kick-off, admitting to Man United's club media that his team selection was 'easy' given the shortage of options.

Man United's bench does look sparse tonight given their injury problems.

Ah Antony.

The Brazilian generated headlines of his own for cupping his ears to Coventry players after the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out on Sunday.

Many have had their say on Antony's goading of the Coventry players, with several pointing out that Man United were 3-0 up when he was introduced as a substitute.

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor branded Antony a 'prat' and asked if he is 'the most shameless flop ever to grace our beautiful league?'

Even Brentford's mischief maker Neal Maupay suggested Antony went too far.

The Brazilian has since defended himself, claiming he had been provoked by the Coventry players.

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport, at Old Trafford:

Sticking with the youthful theme, Mail Sport's Nathan Salt points out that Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye, Louis Jackson and Ethan Wheatley are on the bench tonight for the Red Devils.

The quartet were involved as Man United beat rivals Man City in the Premier League Cup last night.

A sign Sheffield United are looking to the future by naming Oli Arblaster as captain tonight?

The academy product is given the honour at the age of 19. Arblaster turns 20 next month.

Teenage dreams at the Theatre of Dreams.

Eye catching team news for Sheffield United.

Oli Arblaster has been named as captain on just his eighth Premier League appearance for the club.

Wes Foderingham returns in goal as one of four changes. Hamer starts after being passed fit while McBurnie is absent through injury.

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Trusty, Hamer, Archer, Brereton, Ahmedhodzic, Bogle, Osborn, Arblaster, Holgate, Brooks.

Erik ten Hag makes two changes from the FA Cup semi-final with Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford missing out.

Christian Eriksen and Antony come into the starting line-up.

Rashford does not feature in the matchday squad due to injury, but McTominay is fit enough to be named on the bench.

Man United: Onana, Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Casemiro, Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Antony, Hojlund

Old Trafford is hosting one of four Premier League matches this evening, with the Merseyside derby taking the prime billing.

Jurgen Klopp will lead his Liverpool side into a final derby clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

Could the Reds come unstuck as they bid to go level with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League?

My colleague Harry Bamforth is across the action on Merseyside, as well as providing updates from Wolves clash with Bouremouth and Crystal Palace and Newcastle.

Follow along with the action here

Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the shining lights of a challenging season for Man United.

The teenager has made 25 appearances for United during his breakthrough season.

Mail Sport understands the England international is expected to be rewarded with a third new contract in as many years this summer.

You can read all the latest from Old Trafford in Mail Sport's latest Man United Confidential.

Without wishing to add further salt to Sheffield United wounds, the Blades are one goal away from equalling Derby’s record of 89 goals conceded in a 38 match Premier League season.

The all-time record is held by Swindon Town, who shipped 100 over a 42 match campaign.

Defintiely something Sheffield United will want to avoid breaking.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted the mood has been 'as negative as it has been' in the aftermath of their 4-1 loss to Burnley on the weekend.

Wilder said the Blades had hopes of picking up points against Brentford and Burnley in their last two fixtures, but suffered 2-0 and 4-1 defeats.

The results have left Sheffield United 10 points from safety with five matches remaining.

As mentioned by Nathan, Sheffield United were winners on their last visit to Old Trafford in January 2021.

Goals from Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke saw Sheffield United come away with all three points during one of the Covid-era matches at an empty Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire grabbed Man United’s goal on that occasion against his former side.

Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke saw Sheffield United come away with all three points during one of the Covid-era matches at an empty Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire grabbed Man United’s goal on that occasion against his former side.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side eventually finished as Premier League runners-up, while Sheffield United finished bottom. One of those things looks like being repeated...

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport, at Old Trafford:

Man United squad have been pictured arriving at Old Trafford ahead of this 8pm kick off.

The likes of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are among those greeting fans outside before making their way into the stadium.

Looks like a nice afternoon in Manchester!

As mentioned, Ten Hag went on the attack in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday when responding to suggestions the penalty shoot-out win over Coventry was 'embarrassing'.

'You made (asked) the question, "is it embarrassing?" No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. The comments are a disgrace,' Ten Hag said.

'Top football is about results. We made it to a final and we deserved it, not only by this game but also the other games. We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck for 3-2 and 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear.

'We were not happy with it. I can see the fans are not happy with it as well, but they get fed by opinions. But all over, what I heard is that the fans are very happy we are again in the FA Cup final.

It is a huge achievement. Twice in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, five cup finals in four years.'

Mail Sport's Nathan Salt writes that while Ten Hag has come out fighting with the media this week, it is now time for his side to do so on the pitch.

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Has a victory in an FA Cup semi-final ever generated as much doom and gloom?

Man United's penalty shoot-out victory over Coventry on Sunday, via a collapse from a 3-0 lead, has provoked renewed focus around Erik ten Hag and the squad.

Ten Hag has come out fighting ahead of tonight's Premier League match with rock bottom Sheffield United.

The Dutchman branded the reaction to the FA Cup semi-final as 'a disgrace'.

Man United could certainly do with quietening the noise tonight with what should be a routine home assignment against a Sheffield United side seeming destined for the Championship.

Chris Wilder and the Blades will have other ideas, with visitors bidding to breath some life into their flickering survival hopes.

Stay with us for all the build-up and action from Old Trafford.