Manchester United travel to Bramall Lane for the late kick off on Saturday evening, where they will face Sheffield United. The Red devils have dominated this fixture historically, but the most recent meeting in 2021 saw the Blades pick up a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United are rock bottom of the Premier League after eight games, losing seven and drawing once. Therefore, they are one of two teams to have not experienced victory thus far. There are almost no positives to take from the Blade’s performances this season and the stats summarise them perfectly. They’ve netted six times and conceded 22 goals, with eight of those coming against Newcastle in Paul Heckingbottom’s sides most recent home game. Sheffield United are also averaging the least shots per game, which clearly highlights that they are showing little attacking threat in every match.
Before the international break, the Blades travelled to Fulham where they were on the receiving end of a 3-1 loss. The tie was 0-0 at half time but Fulham were unfortunate to not score and they registered 1.08 XG, compared to Sheffield United’s 0.00. It was only a matter of time before Fulham scored the opener, and it occurred in the 56th minute. Heckingbottom’s side bounced back due to an Antonee Robinson own goal, but the side couldn’t withhold the hosts pressure.
Manchester United
Manchester United’s season can be defined as underwhelming but as Erik ten Hag mentioned, he has been unable to field his best side so far this season. United are in 10th place with four wins and four defeats, however they have uncharacteristically struggled in front of goal. The Red Devils have netted just nine times in eight matches and the star players such as, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund haven’t been able to produce as of yet. Ten Hag’s men shockingly have the fourth worst away record in the Premier League, but they will be desperate to put that right on Saturday evening.
The international break arrived at a good and poor time for Manchester United. It has allowed some of the injured players to return to training, but it has also halted the momentum that was gathered in the 2-1 win against Brentford last time out. Even though the stats suggest that United deserved to win, the performance was uninspiring and they failed to create any clear chances throughout the match. Mathias Jensen gave the visitors the lead in the first half and the atmosphere inside Old Trafford became toxic. Fast forward to the 93rd minute and super sub Scott McTominay equalised from the bench. Minutes later, the Scott latched onto a Harry Maguire header to win the tie for the Reds. An important yet undeserved victory.
Verdict?
Manchester United simply must win this match and they will. Sheffield United have shown vulnerability at the back and almost nothing in attack. If the quality in the Manchester United starting XI doesn’t give them the advantage, then players like, Alejandro Garnacho, will impact the game from the bench.
The final prediction is Sheffield United 0-3 Manchester United.
