MAN UNITED 4, SHEFF UNITED 2
Erik ten Hag saluted Bruno Fernandes who spared Manchester United’s blushes in another difficult match.
The captain scored two huge goals as the Reds twice came from behind to beat bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United who had threatened a seismic upset.
Fernandes double meant he has scored seven goals in his last five matches and United manager ten Hag said: “Not only tonight but Bruno is in very good form and getting into the right positions, right spots and made the right decisions.
“He can score and make assists. I am very pleased with his performances. He shows leadership with his energy, transition and offence and he tries to energise the team.
“I am very pleased with bis performance and his attitude.”
Fernandes dragged the Reds off the canvas and further embarrassment against bottom-club Sheffield United only three days after struggling to beat Championship club Coventry City in the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Blades had twice lead through goals from Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton-Diaz only for Fernandes’ brace and further goals from Harry Maguire and Rasmus Hojlund saved the day.
It gave United their first win in five Premier League games as they climbed to sixth place and into the Europa League spots before an audience which included new sporting director Jason Wilcox.
Despite the stumble, ten Hag declared his side was in complete control and it was hard to argue against the stats – 72 per cent possession and 25 goal attempts to the Blades’ 10.
Had it not been for a super show from goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, who had the game of his life, United could have won by a much wider margin.
The defensive frailties were evident as this was the fifth successive game in which they have conceded two or more goals.
Ten Hag added United are scoring goals and creating chances but need to cut out the goals they are conceding.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe said: “Many positives today. The resilience to fight back after losing two times. But also there were negatives. We gave it away, it can’t happen, unacceptable, we have to learn from this.
“But I’m happy with the win and we need to move on.”
Beaten boss Chris Wilder said: “It’s the story of our season. There’s been times when we’ve been well and truly put to bed. But there’s been nights like tonight.
“Add it all up. We went toe-to-toe for 80 minutes, we got ourselves in front a couple of times. But it was the same old things that have come back to haunt us, poor defending.
“Yet again, it’s a mixed bag. A lot of things are pretty good. A lot of times we get pretty close. But we are here, it’s another one we’ve lost.
“The inevitable will happen, we understand that and accept that. We’re in a position where we just have pride to play for. We did that and the supporters recognise that.
“We’ve scored two at Old Trafford and we’ve come away with nothing. That’s something that shouldn’t be happening. You should be getting something out of the game.”
Christian Eriksen and Antony were recalled to United’s starting line-up. It was Eriksen’s first start since the draw with Tottenham in January.
Scott McTominay was a doubt but fit enough for the bench. Marcus Rashford missed out completely while Morocco midfield Sofyan Amrabat returned to the bench after injury.
United were looking for their first Premier League win since their 2-0 triumph against Everton on March 9.
Foderingham returned in goal for the Bladesas Ivo Grbic dropped to the bench after the weekend hammering by Burnley.
Striker Oli McBurnie missed out with a muscle strain, although Gustavo Hamer had overcome a similar issue.
Teenager Oli Arblaster skippered the side on only his eighth Premier League appearance.
United made a lightning-fast start as inside 30 seconds they carved out a great chance to take the lead when a 25-yard drive from Diogo Dalot was superbly tipped over the bar by Foderingham.
Foderingham was called into action again mid-half with an even better stop to keep out a shot from Alejandro Garnacho who weaved his way through the visiting defence.
The Blades’ keeper pulled off a third big save blocking an effort from Hojlund with his legs.
Foderingham continued to be an unbeatable barrier with another fine save low down to keep out a goalbound shot from Kobbie Mainoo.
Then completely against the run of play, the Blades snatched a 35th minute lead after a howler from keeper Andre Onana who played a pass from the back which failed to reach Dalot.
Bogle made the interception and burst into the box before rifling home a low angled shot for his third goal of the season.
Old Trafford was stunned but United drew level seven minutes later.
Garnacho retrieved a free kick on the left and his cross was met by Maguire who glanced a near-post header into the far corner for his fourth goal of the season.
United would have gone ahead in the final minute of the half but for another fine stop by Foderingham to deny Garnacho.
United dominated the opening half enjoying 83 per cent possession and having 17 goal attempts to the visitors’ three.
The break came at the wrong time with United in the ascendancy as the Blades regained the lead within five minutes of the restart.
A fine passing move ended with Ben Osborn crossing from the left and Brereton-Diaz firing high into the roof of the net from six yards, his fifth goal since arriving at Bramall Lane in January on loan from Spanish side Villareal.
That was quickly followed by a first change as the ineffective Antony was replaced by Amad Diallo.
United clawed their way back into the game for a second time through Fernandes’ 62nd minutes penalty amid chaotic scenes.
Maguire was wrestled to the ground by Auston Trusty, but referee Michael Salisbury had blown before Dalot put the ball in the net via a deflected effort.
Fernandes made no mistake from the spot with his 14th goal of the season.
United made a second change as Eriksen made way for McTominay after 64 minutes.
The Blades came close to a third goal when Brereton-Diaz’s deflected effort flashed past the upright.
But United finally broke the Blades’ resistance when Fernandes put the Reds ahead in the 81st minute with his second of the game, a terrific drive from 25 yards which flew high past Foderingham, his seventh goal in the last five games.
It was the 90th goal the Blades have conceded, a record for a 38-game Premier League campaign.
United sealed victory in the 85th minute when Fernades provided the assist, a low cross to the far post for Hojlund to convert from five yards, his 14th goal of the season but his first in seven games.
Ten Hag made two further changes in the first of nine added minutes as Hojlund and Mainoo were replaced by debutant Ethan Wheatley and Sofyan Amrabat.
Wheatley, a teenage striker, became the 250th academy product to appear in United’s first team, another positive for the Reds.