Manchester United 4-2 Sheffield United: Red Devils come from behind twice in chaotic Old Trafford clash

Just days after requiring a penalty shootout to see their way past Coventry City and into the final of the Emirates FA Cup, Manchester United left it late to secure three points against Sheffield United.

Old Trafford was silenced when Jayden Bogle opened the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark, and though Harry Maguire was on hand to bring the Red Devils level before the break, the visitors struck again just five minutes into the second half.

Ben Brereton Díaz’s strike would be cancelled out by a Bruno Fernandes penalty, with the Portuguese midfielder going on to add another goal to his personal tally before Rasmus Højlund wrapped up the high-scoring affair in the dying minutes.

As it happened

The Red Devils were in need of a confident, composed performance after Erik ten Hag slammed criticism of their edgy penalty shootout win over Coventry City in his pre-match press conference.

Unfortunately for the Dutchman, Wednesday night’s clash at Old Trafford was anything but straightforward.

Having only won thrice in the Premier League all season, Sheffield United looked to be the likelier side to pick up three points – and when a loose Andre Onana pass in the first half allowed Jayden Bogle to drive an effort into the far corner, alarm bells were ringing at the Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester United drew level before the break when Harry Maguire nodded home from an Alejandro Garnacho cross, but their efforts would be undone at the start of the second half as Ben Brereton Díaz restored the Blades’ advantage.

Bruno Fernandes’ equalising penalty came 11 minutes later, and Erik ten Hag’s side never looked back from that point. The club captain then went on to strike gold from 25 yards out to fire Manchester United into the lead for the first time on the night.

His involvement was not over there though – his late delivery into the box was met by Rasmus Højlund, with the Danish forward slamming home to register his first goal since February.

The lineups

MUN: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka; Eriksen, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Antony; Højlund

SHU: Foderingham; Trusty, Ahmedhodzic, Holgate; Osborn, Brooks, Arbalster, Hamer, Bogle; Brereton Díaz, Archer