MATCH REVIEW - MANCHESTER UNITED VS SHEFFIELD UNITED

Lowly Sheffield United stun title challengers Manchester United 

Manchester suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Old Trafford. The defeat toppled them from the top of the Premier League table. This game marked United's first loss in their last 10 league games. The result was a surprise, as Sheffield has scored only 10 goals and garnered five points in the first half of the season, sitting firmly bottom of the table.

Match Overview

Harry Maguire attempting a header

The Red Devils controlled possession for large spells of the opening period without any real threat to the Sheffield defense. Sheffield broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute of the game, with De Gea may have been pushed by the Sheffield striker Billy Sharp. Manchester's frustration over that decision was amplified when Martial had the ball in the net but the effort was ruled out for a foul by Maguire on the keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

An unstoppable header from the Captain

Mason Greenwood dragged wide after being put through by Bruno Fernandes early in the second half. But time after time it was Sheffield winning the key battles. The Red Devils managed to get on level terms when their Sheffield born captain Harry Maguire met an Alex Telles corner with an unstoppable header. But just as Manchester looked to be building momentum, the Blades caught them napping at the back. John Lundstram had time to pick out Burke, whose strike hit Tuanzebe and deflected past a helpless De Gea. 

Tactics Review

Frustration lingers amidst the team

Solskjaer opted to rotate his team. Leaving out Fred and Scott McTominay from midfield had a big impact on the game. United lacked the intensity and pressure that the pair have been providing in the center of the pitch. The inclusion of Martial over Cavani was a surprise. It proved to be an increasingly poor decision the longer the night went on. Losing the ball and ambling back as Sheffield hit on the break.

 

Reality Check ahead of Arsenal

The Red Devils had 16 minutes to put Sheffield under late pressure. But their inability to break down The Blades low-block was a worrying sight. De Gea and Tuanzabe had opportunities to clear their lines and failed to do so miserably. Telles who had been ball-watching was completely unaware of Burke's position, then made a pitiful attempt to close down space only for the substitute's shot to deflect in off Tuanzebe.

Reality Check

What's next for our boss?

Having defeated Liverpool in Sunday's FA Cup encounter, there was a feeling that United would be firing on all cylinders but they played without tempo and were punished. The Red Devils have dragged themselves into a surprise title challenge with this defeat. It is our home form that is causing the most harm. This is the fourth defeat at Old Trafford this season. Failing to exert any pressure on the Sheffield backline, talisman Bruno Fernandes has now hit a slump and gone 4 straight league games without appearing on the scoresheet.

Manchester United remain second, behind league leaders Manchester City. We will have to be so much better than this against Arsenal at the weekend if they are not to come unstuck again.