Manchester United emerged victorious as 4-2 winners against Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
But by god, didn’t they nearly make a meal of it? Erik ten Hag‘s side found themselves behind twice against the Blades, which nearly led to one of the most embarrassing results of the season.
But it was the club captain Manchester United need to thank for the victory. His inspired performance meant that the Red Devils grabbed all three points – and took some pressure off the Manchester United manager.
But does the victory just paper over the cracks for the Red Devils boss?
Erik ten Hag could have had a disaster against Sheffield
It has been a tough few weeks for Ten Hag, to say at the very least. Since Manchester United crumbled against Chelsea in the Premier League, the heat has definitely been on.
Despite a precious point against Liverpool softening the blow, a draw to Bournemouth and a scarily bad FA Cup semi-final, which somehow ended in the Red Devils progression, has severely ramped up scrutiny.
If the Red Devils would have lost to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, who also would’ve avoided relation, the angry mob would’ve been relentless for Ten Hag.
He owes a lot to his players for grinding out a result, as at times, even he did look a little lost.
Tactics still not quite there
It was a game where Ten Hag was urged to do something completely different against Sheffield United.
Manchester United’s new technical director, Jason Wilcox, had told Ten Hag that he must play the “new” United way of football from here on out.
A possession-based style is what Wilcox has told Ten Hag he must adhere to over the next few weeks if he wants to continue in his job beyond May.
He set out to do just that. A midfield three of Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes ensured that United did keep most of the ball on the night.
But, it still at times left United looking a little uninspired. They had the possession but didn’t exactly do much with it. When Sheffield punished mistakes, it left Ten Hag looking more than a little foolish and lost at times.
Former Manchester United winger Gordon Hill picked up on this. He wrote on X after the second Blades strike went in: ‘Looking at him on the bench is like a deer caught in the headlights. Clueless.’
This poses the next big question for the Red Devils
Will Erik ten Hag be at Manchester United next season?
The big question on everyone’s lips. We’re not so sure. There have been numerous managers already linked to the Red Devils job.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos mob are set to take no prisoners – which doesn’t exactly work in the Dutchman’s favour… but it’s whether any on the market are even the right fit in all honesty.
Time will tell, but right now it’s firmly in the balance as to whether Ten Hag will be knocking around Carrington next season.