The Blades took the lead at Old Trafford against the run of play in the 35th minute when Jayden Bogle pounced on a wayward pass from Andre Onana and tucked a neat finish past the ex-Inter Milan goalkeeper to send their travelling supporters into a frenzy. United then hit back on the cusp of half-time through Harry Maguire, flicking a superb header past Wesley Foderingham following a cross from Alejandro Garnacho.
The Blades then quickly restored their lead just four minutes after the restart, with Ben Brereton Diaz diverting his strike into the roof of the net following a well-worked move down the left. Bruno Fernandes then stole the show, scoring a 60th-minute penalty before firing his side into the lead from 25 yards with a glorious effort.
Rasmus Hojlund then put the icing on the cake with just five minutes left on the clock, tapping home from close range after a precise cross from Fernandes. Express Sport looks at five key points from the game…
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Jason Wilcox has issued a ‘mission impossible’
According to The Sun reporter Alan Nixon, newly-appointed United technical director Jason Wilcox has informed Ten Hag that he must implement a ‘possession-based’ style on his team for the remainder of the campaign. The ex-Ajax boss appears to have obliged as he abandoned his counter-attacking style and instructed his team to dominate proceedings against the Blades, consequently enjoying 71% of the ball. However, INEOS and Wilcox appear to have overlooked an important element of the plan: Ten Hag does not really have the players to adapt to such a style. The Red Devils were able to work their way into the final third but lacked the playmakers capable of carving open opportunities against a hardened back-five and would have struggled against a superior opponent.
Diallo still not ‘deserving’
Ten Hag, once again, opted to put his faith in Antony over Amad Diallo against Sheffield United, despite saying in his pre-match press conference that the Ivorian ‘deserves’ to start matches. The 21-year-old has struggled with injuries so far this season but proved his worth during his limited opportunities, notably against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Antony being above Diallo in the pecking order therefore had many United supporters stunned, and the Brazilian winger failed to justify his manager’s team selection decision again in the 55 minutes he was afforded until being replaced.
Transfer priority becomes clear
United simply have no Plan B when Hojlund is struggling to make a breakthrough. The striker led the line well on Wednesday night but was given a thankless task up against the Blades’ three physical centre-backs for significant periods of the match, and an alternative option to play alongside him may have helped the ex-Atalanta star unlock the defence sooner. Ten Hag has spoken previously about how he had hoped his side would sign a striker in January, and acquiring the services of another No. 9 must be the priority for the summer, and Hojlund’s late goal should not change that.
Maguire mistake pending
It is no secret that United need an overhaul this summer. However, retaining a key core of players from their current side is important to add the period of transition and instil the correct values into the team. Maguire is among those who could be considered a role model by the club, and his pinpoint header only highlighted further what he has to offer at the Theatre of Dreams. The centre-back has played through injuries and relentless criticism this season and emerged as one of the few United stars with credit. He could be a tough character to replace.
Penalty controversy
United were left fuming when referee Michael Salisbury pointed to the spot in the second half, despite being awarded a penalty. Maguire was fouled when looking to head home Fernandes’ corner but still managed to divert the ball goalwards and it was eventually scrambled over the line, but only after the referee had blown his whistle. The Red Devils stars were left fuming by the decision and although it ultimately did not prove decisive, it could have been a turning point in the match if Fernandes saw his effort saved by Fodderingham.
