SHEFF UTD 2, MAN UTD 3
Manchester United’s win at bottom-club Sheffield United was a mirror image of every away game in the Premier League this season as they recorded a remarkable 10th straight league victory on their travels.
In all six away league matches in the current campaign, the Reds have been forced to come from behind to win, each time scoring at least three goals.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side maintained its 100 per cent away record to climb to sixth place in the table.
Win their game in hand and the Reds would be second and only two points off leaders Liverpool in this incredibly open and unpredictable season.
The Reds have yet to play anywhere near their potential yet are firmly in the mix for the title.
And though there was an awful start and finish to the game, United ultimately prevailed as the Blades have one point from their first 13 league matches, the worst-ever start to a top-flight season. This was an eighth straight defeat, an unwanted club record for the Blades.
United’s goalscoring exploits, Marcus Rashford scored twice and Anthony Martial also netted, also set a record at Bramall Lane as they became the first team in the Premier League era to score two or more goals in 10 consecutive away league matches.
That was last done by Tottenham’s great double-winning team in 1960 with United becoming only the fourth team in top-flight history to notch 10 straight away league victories.
Embed from Getty ImagesSolskjaer admitted his side made hard work of the victory: “We never make it easy for ourselves.
“We started sloppy and slow, something we had spoken to the players about and shown them videos, and it happened when we were jogging around the pitch.
“We showed character and it could have been more comfortable. We were a little sloppy at 3-1 up. The corner that led to the second goal wasn’t corner but when it goes in it was really difficult because they are a handful.
“I thought all three goals were excellent. I wanted to test them here today, we knew it was going to be a physical test. The fight, we are going to get kicked. It is one of these games the boys will learn from.
“We need to sort the home form. It is not like it is home and away with these conditions without fans. We should be more used to the Old Trafford pitches than these pitches. Sunday is a massive game. We have been waiting for years and we will be ready for it.”
And on Dean Henderson’s eventful night, he said: “The good, bad and the ugly, maybe in a different order. He is always learning.
“He has probably been looking forward to coming back here and to get from that start shows his character for the rest of the game and he came through it with flying colours.”
Rashford added: “Once again we have done well to respond to going behind. We scored three goals but if we don’t kill the game off it’s going to be tough. Sheffield United fought and fought for 90 minutes.
“We have to perform better at home and pick up more points.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time. There are going to be a lot of ups and downs. We’ll see where we are later in season.”
United made four changes from the side that started Saturday’s derby with former Blades’ loanee Henderson preferred in goal to David De Gea.
There were also recalls for Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic and Martial as Luke Shaw, Fred and Scott McTominay lost out.
The Blades made three changes from the side heavily beaten at Southampton on Sunday.
There were starts for Jack Robinson, Oliver Burke and David McGoldrick as Phil Jagielka, Billy Sharp and the injured Oli McBurnie made way.
United made a disastrous start as they fell behind in the fifth minute when it was far from a happy homecoming for Henderson who made 36 appearances for the Blades.
As Henderson played a return pass with Harry Maguire, Oliver Burke slid in to dispossess the keeper and the ball rebounded to McGoldrick to score what must be one of the simplest goals of his career, his fourth of the season.
It was only the Blades’ second goal of the season from open play.
And it could have got worse for United when their defence was carved open again with John Fleck this time firing agonisingly wide from the edge of the box.
United drew level in the 26th minute with their first on target goal attempt of the game.
Victor Lindelof’s long ball forward released Rashford who sprinted clear to lash an unstoppable shot past Aaron Ramsdale.
Now with the bit between their teeth, United were ahead for the first time seven minutes later.
Paul Pogba’s exquisite chip released Martial who slotted low past Ramsdale at the second attempt for only his third goal of the season.
And United would have added a third goal moments later but for a decent block by Ramsdale to deny Rashford.
They continued where they left off extending their lead in the 51st minute with a terrific break following a Blades’ throw in near the home goal.
A slick passing move involving Pogba and Bruno Fernandes ended with Rashford released and he fired home a low shot from the edge of the box for his 12th goal of the season.
United were in cruise control with the bottom-of-the-table Blades totally devoid of confidence.
And they began ringing the chances with 16 minutes left when Greenwood was replaced by Juan Mata and Bruno Fernandes made way for Donny Van De Beek.
United had changes to increase their lead as Martial had a goalbound effort while Fernandes, just before he went off, forced a decent stop from Ramsdale.
Perhaps United were too much in control and complacency set in as the Blades scored a second with four minutes left when McGoldrick found the net with a far-post header from a couple of yards following Fleck’s corner. Replays showed it ought to have been a goal kick rather than corner so the Reds would have justifiably been aggrieved if this had a bearing in the outcome of the match,
Solksjaer sent on Scott McTominay for Martial to strengthen the midfield for the four minutes of added time.
Henderson atoned for his early error with a fabulous save to beat out a shot from substitute Lys Mousset in what was an unnecessarily nervy finish given their dominance in the second period.