Manchester United 1-2 Sheffield United
As Premier League shocks go, this is one of the biggest – even in a season as unpredictable as this one.
Make no mistake, this 2-1 success wasn’t a fluke as bottom-club Sheffield United earned a deserved victory at Old Trafford to ensure Manchester United could not return to the summit.
Yet when visiting boss Chris Wilder predicted pre-match it would take something special to stay up, even he would have realised that anything from this trip would be a bonus – especially with such a depleted squad.
That’s what made what followed scarcely believable as Wilder’s battling Blades defied the SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds to clinch a memorable win.
Highlights of the game
Despite a gulf in league position, and fresh from a memorable FA Cup triumph over arch rivals Liverpool, the hosts could certainly not avoid to be complacent against opponents who pushed them close only last month.
Yet it didn’t seem likely as, in contrast to his opposite number, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had an assortment of riches at his disposal both on the pitch and the bench.
United made six changes to the side that won in the cup with David de Gea returning in goal, Axel Tuanzebe drafted into the centre of defence, star man Bruno Fernandes returning to the line-up and Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic and Anthony Martial all getting starts.
A look at the substitutes bench showed just how much Sheffield United were stretched.
George Baldock, Phil Jagielka, Kean Bryan and David McGoldrick came in from the team that knocked Plymouth out of the FA Cup but there were insufficient players available to name a full squad with the visitors naming three subs fewer than their opponents. Veteran Jagielka replaced the suspended John Egan in defence.
A steady tide of home possession was expected from the outset and, even if there was little sign of a breakthrough, there was still surprise when the deadlock was broken as it was the visitors who pounced.
De Gea’s attempted punch at a corner failed to connect and former Manchester City prospect Bryan was able to flick on a header which went in off the post.
His first goal for the Blades would certainly have been cheered across the City as the Blades – who have enjoyed some memorable days against the Red Devils but none since an FA Cup success in 1993 – drew first blood.
Even that setback failed to stir United into action as they looked a pale imitation of the side which has attacked with verve and vigour in recent weeks.
It took a captain’s intervention midway through the second half to draw United level as Harry Maguire was allowed too much space and powerfully headed home.
I, like so many, thought that was the cue for Solskjaer’s side to go on and win but John Lundstram capitalised on a poor de Gea pass to find Oliver Burke whose shot, at the second time of asking, hit Tuanzebe before going in off the underside of the crossbar.
As poor defending as it was, you could not begrudge the battling Blades the lead for a second time.
Regardless of whether they survive or not, as Premier League 2021 highlights go, this result will live long in the memory of Sheffield United players and supporters.
A first win at Old Trafford for them since Boxing Day 1973!
For a side which could not field a full complement of substitutes, had failed to score in six of their past seven away fixtures against United, and had been winless in 15 away league matches since beating Crystal Palace last February, this was some win!
Key statistics
Sheffield United are the first Yorkshire side to ever win at Old Trafford in the Premier League and only the third to do so in all competitions in the Premier League era, after York City (League Cup, 1995) and Leeds United (FA Cup, 2010).
The Blades’ two games with United are the only times they have scored more than once in any of their past 23 league games.
Until tonight, Sheffield United had picked up just one point in eight top-flight meetings with the Red Devils (drawn one, lost seven).
Bryan’s goal was their first Premier League goal at Old Trafford since Franz Carr netted in a 2-1 defeat in February 1993. It also meant they led at half-time in a Premier League game for the first time this season.
After Bryan and Burke both scored their first Premier League goals, it’s the first time two players have netted their first top-flight goal against Man Utd in the same match since Esteban Cambiasso and Jamie Vardy did for Leicester in September 2014.
All three of Maguire’s Premier League goals for United have been headers from corners.
At 38 years and 163 days old, Jagielka was the oldest outfield player to start a Premier League match at Old Trafford against United since Richard Gough in February 2001 for Everton (38 years, 304 days).
United have had four Premier League home defeats in 2020-21 – they’ve only lost more in an entire season on two occasions: 2013-14 (seven defeats) and 2001-02 (six).
What’s next?
Man Utd are in north London to face Arsenal on Saturday teatime (January 30) before hosting Southampton three days later.
Sheffield United are in Manchester again in a few days’ time as they travel to Manchester City and then welcome West Brom – the side directly above them – to Brammall Lane next midweek.
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