Manchester United provided yet another entertaining goal-fest in which they showed their best and worst in a 4-2 victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday
Manchester United needed a strong reaction after their near-catastrophe in the FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag looked to have got one from his team, too, as they put in a slick and dominant performance to start.
However, the tired frailties remained as the Blades took the lead through Jayden Bogle after a terrible mistake.
Harry Maguire levelled before the away side took the lead again through Ben Brereton Diaz but Bruno Fernandes turned the game on its head.
The captain slammed home a penalty and then scored a stunner to save United’s blushes once again before setting up Rasmus Hojlund for the fourth.
Here’s how the players rated.
Andre Onana – 4
Made a terrible error as a wayward pass was easily intercepted by Jayden Bogle before the right-back blasted in the opener. A startling flashback to the worst days of David de Gea.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Poor positioning for the second goal as he wasn’t in a better place to cut out the cut-back.
The defence as a unit was plagued by the same structural issues that saw them concede two to the league’s lowest scorers but Wan-Bissaka did little to impress like the others.
Casemiro – 7
Aggressive in the challenge and actually got forward quite well, if a little sloppy at times but Maguire was on hand to help on those occasions.
Made Important tackles and interceptions, especially one on Cameron Archer, and was an aerial presence in both boxes. Might suit defence more than midfield now.
Harry Maguire – 7
Made a crucial interception to end a Blades attack after Casemiro had surrendered possession and then deftly headed United level. Also won the penalty after being dragged down in the box.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Had a great effort in the opening 30 seconds which set the tone for a fine performance.
Though positioned at left-back, Dalot often moved into a central position and was a real threat going forward thanks to some exciting link-up play with Garnacho.
His runs from deep and ability to bring down long balls were United’s best attacking ploy but he squandered a great chance. Beaten a couple of times on his flank.
Christian Eriksen – 5
Some very tidy distribution in the middle which helped United maintain dominance of the ball but his lack of energy left the midfield flat and easy to play through. No standout moment of quality.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Had some lovely touches in attacking areas and continues to put in assured displays without having a massive influence on the game.
Antony – 4
Got involved in attacks but offered little of value, with his passing especially poor.
The Brazilian either held the ball too long or weighted his balls too heavily and couldn’t get a shot on target. Hooked after 55 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes – 9
Everywhere once again in another lung-busting performance and proved to be United’s saviour.
A confident penalty got the side level for a second time and he blasted in from distance to put them ahead.
His clipped long passes surged United up the field and were a constant threat throughout and he then set up Hojlund for the fourth with a perfect pass.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
A constant threat down the left with some great interplay with Dalot. Could have been more clinical in front of goal with two great chances going wanting but a fantastic cross set up Maguire’s goal.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Much more lively and involved, especially in the first half, but continued to struggle in front of goal until Fernandes put it on a plate for him. Hopefully, the goal is the confidence boost he needs.
Substitutes
Amad – 5
A couple of nice touches but was unable to get in the game much.
Scott McTominay – 5
One dangerous run forward but had little impact.
Sofyan Amrabat – 5
Kept the ball ticking.
Ethan Wheatley – 6
Became the 250th academy graduate to make his debut as the local lad came on in added time and pressed well in his brief cameo.