Manchester United 4-2 Sheffield United: Bruno leads comeback effort in Old Trafford win

Manchester United got back to their winning ways on Wednesday, downing Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford as Bruno Fernandes took over the game. Erik ten Hag’s side were desperate for a win, going winless in five straight if you include the penalty shootout win over Coventry City, and the Reds did so with a couple more players missing from the side.

Another wave of injuries came as Erik ten Hag keeps up his high intensity training, and Willy Kambwala once again missed after his injury last week. Joining him off the teamsheet was Marcus Rashford, who picked up a knock in the extra time thriller against Coventry City on Sunday.

The match began with United absolutely dominating possession. At one point in the first half they held over 80% of the possession, and yet they still conceded first.

Andre Onana’s wayward pass across defense was easily intercepted by Jayden Bogle, who charged forward and fired the Blades into the lead on 35 minutes. His goal was preceded by several chances for United, including a couple wasted by Garnacho and Casemiro.

United did draw level before the break, with Harry Maguire once again coming to the rescue. A free kick was overhit but sent back toward goal and flicked on by Maguire into the far corner.

The halftime break did little to fire up the Reds and Garnacho wasted another chance coming out of the break. Soon after Brerton Diaz scored on a cutback pass to put the Blades back in front on the night. It was the sort of play that has tormented United all season long. Perhaps some form of coaching or management or reorganization would address the issue, but that hasn’t happened yet. Oh well.

United would again equalize, this time from the spot after Maguire was dragged down from behind on a corner kick. The result of the play was the ball in the back of the net on either an own goal or a touch from Diogo Dalot, but the referee was blowing his whistle and pointing to the spot as the ball went in. Thankfully Bruno converted to make it 2-2 just past the hour mark, and that wasn’t all he had left in the tank.

United pushed to take the lead and were the better team again despite a scary chance nearly going Sheffield United’s way. Dalot saw a chance wasted and a near post corner routine was smothered in the end. Then in the 81st minute Bruno Fernandes unleashed a perfect left-footed strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the top right corner to take the lead.

Moments later Bruno played facilitator, setting up Rasmus Hojlund to get back on the scoresheet with a shot from point blank range. Bruno was set up by an excellent lob from Diogo Dalot before contorting to play the ball across his body and towards his striker.

It took quite a finish to see off the worst team in the Premier League, which isn’t great but it’s better than another 2-2 draw. Even got a debut in for youngster Ethan Wheatley, the 250th academy player to make a first-team debut for United.

Back in the win column, we go again at the weekend.