Manchester United vs Sheffield United: Five things learned

Manchester United beat Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, but as always made it difficult for themselves.

Embarrassment struck twice for United, going behind twice to the worst team in the Premier League with a Harry Maguire goal in between. Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot.

Fernandes put United 3-2 up with an absolute stunner of a strike, and Rasmus Højlund picked up his eight league goal of the season to seal the victory.

Here are five things UtdDistrict learnt from the win:

#1: Maguire and Fernandes deserve credit

For all the negative talk there is surrounding United right now, what has to be said is that Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes are refusing to give in.

Scorers of United’s goals, they have consistently been there for United in big moments and refused to give up.

Maguire has been playing through injury for the last few games and deserves even more credit for battling through and still putting in more than respectable performances.

Whilst fans are rightfully frustrated with many things at the club currently, fans should take comfort in knowing there are still good characters in the side.

#2: Amad deserves to play, and fans want to see him

The biggest cheer of the night came following Antony being booed off, and they were for his replacement Amad Diallo.

The decision to even start the number 21 in the first place was baffling enough given Amad’s performances when given minutes this season. Not that it’s exactly difficult, but he’s quite clearly the superior footballer and offers qualities that United’s other wingers don’t.

If United want anything left out of a season with little to lose, then Amad should be made a fixture in the remaining weeks.

#3: Players seem to know the season is mostly done for

Watching United now gives off shades of the end of the 2018/19 season, where the team’s form was poor and players were physically finished.

The players have not given up, but it does feel as though they know the season is mostly done for until the FA Cup final, and there seems to be a lack of confidence in their performances as a result of this.

#4: Defensive problems persist

Whilst the first goal came from a horror error from André Onana, the second goal was yet another cutback conceded by Manchester United.

Manchester United were not quite as leaky in terms of clear cut opportunities as usual, but still conceded far more opportunities than you’d want to against Sheffield United. Whilst the backline is on its last legs, a lot of tightening up is needed, largely with reinforcements over summer.

#5: Youth. Courage. Success.

The win was sealed by 21 year old Rasmus Højlund, a prodigy signed for a fee that placed big trust in him over the summer, and seen out with youngster Ethan Wheatley making his senior debut for Manchester United.

On top of this, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho each picked up assists and lasted at least 90 minutes.

Whatever may be happening at Old Trafford, the future is bright so long as INEOS don’t forget what makes this football club so special.