Manchester United 4-2 Sheffield United – Report | OneFootball

Sheffield United showcased their resilience against Manchester United at Old Trafford, on Wednesday evening, having led twice but ultimately succumbing to individual pieces of brilliance from Bruno Fernandes late on.

A first half goal from Jayden Bogle was cancelled out by former Blade Harry Maguire. Ben Brereton-Diaz gave United the lead again, at the start of the second half, before a Fernandes penalty, a wonder-strike from the midfielder, and a fabulous assist for Rasmus Hojlund sealed a 4-2 win.

Wes Foderingham returned between the sticks replacing Ivo Grbic. While youngster Oli Arblaster captained the side. Cameron Archer replaced the injured Oli McBurnie up top.

Lineups

Manchester United: Onana, Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Hojlund (Wheatley 90), Eriksen (McTominay 65) Garnacho, Casemiro, Dalot, Antony (Diallo 55), Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo (Amrabat 90).

Unused: Bayindir, Forson, Amass, Ogunneye, Jackson.

Blades: Foderingham, Trusty, Hamer, Archer (McAtee 62, Osula 87), Brereton-Diaz, Ahmedhodzic, Bogle (Norwood 78), Osborn, Arblaster, Holgate, Brooks (Souza 45).

Unused: Grbic, Slimane, Larouci, Curtis, Hampson

First half

The encounter started with high intensity as Sheffield United, keen to bounce back from a recent home defeat to Burnley, made four changes to their starting lineup. Among the alterations, the return of Foderingham in goal proved pivotal, as he was immediately called into action to deny an early attempt from Diogo Dalot.

Despite the Red Devils’ initial pressure forcing a couple of great saves from Foderingham, it was Sheffield United who stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 35th minute.

A mistake from Andre Onana gifted Jayden Bogle the opportunity to capitalise, slotting home following a misplaced pass. However, the hosts responded swiftly, with Harry Maguire, facing his boyhood club, rising to head in the equaliser just seven minutes later.

Second half

The second half saw Sheffield United regain their lead through Ben Brereton-Diaz in the 50th minute after some great link-up play involving Gustavo Hamer and Ben Osborn, and the Chilean was in the right place to steer Osborn’s cutback past Onana.

In the 61st minute Fernandes leveled the score from the penalty spot after Trusty fouled Maguire from a corner. And moments later the Blades came agonisingly close to a third lead when Brereton-Diaz saw his long-range shot deflect and merely spinning past the post.

United’s number 11 was in the thick of things once more when he unleashed a shot in the six-yard box following a corner, but the Red Devils’ defence stood firm and threw bodies in the way.

As the Blades began to tire, Portuguese international Fernandes took full advantage of the space in midfield showcasing his brilliance with a stunning strike from distance in the 81st minute to give Manchester United the lead for the first time in the match.

As the game entered its final moments, the home team ensured victory as Fernandes turned provider, setting up Hojlund to seal the win. Sheffield United did not throw the towel in however and conjured up a couple of late chances but to no avail.

Despite a spirited performance from the Blades they travel back over the Pennines without a point as they prepare for a trip to Newcastle on Saturday.