Manchester United made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League as they beat Sheffield United 2-1 on Saturday night.
It was another game where United failed to put in a particularly impressive display, and just about managed to get past the side at the bottom of the table, but it earns Erik ten Hag’s side another vital three points, with Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot scoring the all-important goals.
The game was preceded by a minute's silence to observe those who have been impacted by the Israel-Palestine conflict, as well as applause to honour the life of Sir Bobby Charlton, who sadly passed away earlier on Saturday.
When the action got under way, it was the hosts who were in the ascendancy, with Andre Onana forced to keep out efforts from Ollie McBurnie and Cameron Archer in an opening to the match that was shy of goalmouth action. Yet, when the opening goal came, it was the Red Devils who grabbed it, somewhat against the run of play.
After patiently looking for an opening at the edge of the box, Bruno Fernandes’ lofted pass into the box was patiently controlled by McTominay, who allowed the ball to come down before scruffily guiding it into the far corner, thanks to a little nick off Jack Robinson.
But less than two minutes later it was McTominay’s error that allowed Sheffield United to quickly get back on level terms. The Scotland international handled the ball inside the area resulting in the Blades being awarded a spot-kick, which was excellently dispatched by McBurnie as his effort crashed in off the post.
It could have been worse for United had Archer converted when he latched onto the ball behind the United backline, but Onana flew out and narrowed the shooting angle for the former Aston Villa striker. United ended the half with two good chances, as Fernandes’ free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar, while Wes Foderingham’s strong hand denied Rasmus Hojlund’s instinctive attempt from a few yards out, after controlling Rashford’s wayward shot.
After the break, again Onana had to be on hand to prevent both Oliver Norwood and Rhian Brewster score via shots from distance, before Foderingham denied Hojlund for a second time on the night, while Marcus Rashford’s left-foot effort slid just wide of the far post.
But after an hour, it was Ten Hag’s side who pushed with more purpose for a winner, as Sofyan Amrabat hit the post with a powerful strike from distance, seconds before Fernandes followed up and curled wide. Despite the attacking threats on the pitch for United, it was Dalot, of all people, who popped up with the game-deciding goal.
The right-back received Victor Lindelof’s pass and from around 25 yards out curled a shot towards goal. Foderingham managed to get a hand to the ball and will be disappointed he couldn’t stop it rippling the back of the net.
From there, United limited the opposition's opportunities to score, with Alejandro Garnacho having the only significant chances after the break, one he really should have tucked away after a quick breakaway.
Here's how we rated United's players...
1. Andre Onana- 8
Probably his best performance so far for United, and the keeper made a number of good saves, the best of which denied Archer and Brewster to chance to score.
2. Diogo Dalot- 7
One of United’s better players. Dalot offered an attacking outlet from right-back and scored a spectacular strike in the latter stages.
3. Harry Maguire- 7
Played several accurate long passes into the wide areas, and didn’t make any real errors at the back.
4. Jonny Evans- 4 (off 84)
Had too many uncomfortable defensive moments, and looked cumbersome in his attempts to stop Sheffield United’s attackers.