Manchester United secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane today.
The Red Devils lacked conviction and stability for the first half hour of the game.
The hosts played much better and looked determined but went behind after Scott McTominay’s strike.
Oliver McBurnie restored parity from the spot after McTominay was found guilty of a handball.
Man United dominated possession in the second half but lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Blades.
Diogo Dalot’s magnificent long-range strike rescued the Red Devils, but Erik ten Hag must address another lethargic display from his team.
Player Ratings:
Andre Onana – 6/10
No howlers from the Cameroon international tonight. He made two decent and expected saves but has to be more cautious of giving away rebound opportunities.
Diogo Dalot – 7/10
The right-back scored a spectacular goal to win crucial three points for his side. He floated two crosses, but both of them were inaccurate.
Harry Maguire – 7/10
Another composed and robust performance from the former United captain. He was dominant in the air, winning five of the seven aerial duels.
Jonny Evans – 5/10
The veteran lost the ball at the halfway line, from which the host almost scored. Injured and replaced by Raphael Varane.
Victor Lindelof – 5/10
He was defensively sound but failed to support the attack on the left flank. Earned the assist for Dalot’s stunner.
Sofyan Amrabat – 5/10
With Casemiro injured, Amrabat started in his preferred spot. He needs to do better to keep hold of the number six spot.
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
The Portuguese magnifico earned an assist for McTominay’s strike and hit the bar with his free-kick. However, he looked rusty and less creative than he usually is.
Scott McTominay – 5/10
The Scotland international earned his starting spot after his heroic performance against Brentford.
He scored the opener against the run of play but immediately cancelled that by giving away a cheap penalty.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
Rashford lacked urgency but had a few good moments in the game. He delivered a great cross for Rasmus Hojlund and came close to scoring Man United’s second goal.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5/10
The 20-year-old was just inches away from a simple tap-in goal. He should have restored Man United’s advantage when the Blades messed it up at the back.
Antony – 4/10
The Brazilian winger dropped too deep to collect the ball at times. Just like Rashford, he lacked urgency and conviction.
Substitutes
Anthony Martial – 4/10
The Frenchman was introduced around the hour mark but failed to impose himself on proceedings. He does not have the quality to be a back-up striker for the Red Devils.
Christian Eriksen – 6/10
The Dane brought stability to the centre of the park with his neat ball distribution.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5/10
It was a rare disappointing cameo from the youngster. He failed to leverage two great counter-attacking opportunities and missed an easy chance to put the game to bed.
Mason Mount – N/A
Too late to rate.
Raphael Varane – N/A
Too late to rate.
