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Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League as they beat Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford.
The victory was the first since the 9th of March and allowed Erik ten Hag’s side to jump up into sixth place in the league table.
The game was not won however until Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils a two goal cushion in the 85th minute of play, in a match that proved to be a lot more difficult to win than it should have been.
Once again, Bruno Fernandes was the hero with two goals and an assist and he has proven once again he is the beating heart of this United team.
Hojlund’s strike was also a welcome one, as it was his first since February 18th against Luton Town.
The evening will also be remembered for Ethan Wheatley making his debut and in the process, becoming the 250th United academy product to make his debut for the first team.
Speaking in his post-match press conference (via Beanyman Sports) Erik ten Hag lavished praise on his skipper’s showing.
When asked about Fernandes’ display he claimed, “not only tonight, he’s in very good form. I think we put him in the right position, he found the right spots, and he made the right decisions”.
“I’m very pleased with his performance. Bruno showed his leadership, his energy, his transition both ways. He always tries to encourage the team. We’re very pleased with his performance and attitude”.
The Portuguese has suffered significant criticism of his suitability for the captaincy role at the club but his critics have quietened down in the last few weeks as the midfielder has returned to his sensational best.
The Dutchman then went on the defensive when he was asked if new technical director, Jason Wilcox, would have any issues with his side not dominating in parts of the game like tonight.
He bristled at the question and responded, “we were totally in control. I’ve seen a different game, sorry”.
“We had two giveaways, and went behind twice. We had two negatives, one focus and one discipline. But we were in control”.
One of the main negative themes of United’s season has been giving away needless goals and this was on full display when Andre Onana ridiculously lost the ball, with a poor pass under no pressure, which quickly led to the Blades opening the scoring.
Elaborating on the matter Ten Hag stated, “we have to stop this process [of giving away cheap goals]. At the top level, if you want to achieve targets and win trophies, you have to keep the focus and not allow such mistakes”.
The United coach also expressed his happiness that out-of-form striker, Hojlund, eventually found the back of the net.
“It’s the rhythm, what is broken after his injury. Now he returns and this goal is important for him. That’s what strikers need, they live on goals”.
The Red Devils will now look to tighten their grip on sixth place when they welcome Burnley to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday afternoon.
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