Manchester United missed the opportunity to return to the top of the Premier League as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the bottom of the Sheffield United table.
Kean Bryan opened the scoring for the Blades after 23 minutes, climbing the highest to take a look at John Fleck’s home. Billy Sharp may have been lucky not to be penalized for nudging David de Gea in the build-up.
Sheffield United strikes first at Old Trafford. ?#MUNSHU pic.twitter.com/LvEeivVj0j
– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 27, 2021
United’s equalizer also came from a corner, with Harry Maguire fueling Alex Telles’ exciting delivery into the net.
But the Blades responded through substitute Oliver Burke, as his strike from inside the area deflected Axel Tuanzebe the second time around after asking after a terrible United defense to secure a deserved win for a Sheffield United fiery.
Let’s get into some player reviews.
David de Gea (GK) – 5/10 – Failed to manage Fleck’s corner and was beaten to the ball by Bryan’s header as he tried to strike a clear shot for the opening goal – potentially as a result of a sharp nudge. Poor clearance in preparation for Sheffield United’s second.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 5/10 – Chose Rashford with a clever first-half retreat, from which United almost opened the scoring.
Axel Tuanzebe (CB) – 4/10 – Overtaken by Bryan for Sheffield United equalizer. Reserved for a nasty foul on Norwood at the stroke of halftime.
Harry Maguire (CB) – 6/10 – Sometimes reckless in possession in the first half. Cleverly, he worked an inch of space and propelled a header to level the scores.
Alex Telles (LB) – 6/10 – Picked Fernandes with a lightning pass behind in the first half and provided the assist for United’s equalizer.
Nemanja Matic (CM) – 5/10 – Slightly flat in possession, struggled to cope with the sheer energy of the Sheffield United midfielder. We took on a significant challenge to keep Burke from running smoothly as the clock ticked.
Paul Pogba (CM) – 5/10 – Led a half chance on a corner in the second half. Never really able to have a revealing impact on the game.
Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – 6/10 – Slipped Greenwood thanks to a superb pass in the second half. Blew hot and cold – sometimes magical in possession, sometimes carefree.
Mason Greenwood (RW) – 5/10 – Snatched from a glorious second-half opportunity, one he should normally send effortlessly. Was replaced after 65 minutes.
Anthony Martial (ST) – 4/10 – Relatively calm as the central striker, moved to the left flank following the introduction of Cavani.
Marcus Rashford (LW) – 6/10 Flashed an effort from the edge of the narrowly wide zone in the first half, and tested Ramsdale with a dipping free kick in the second.
Edinson Cavani – 6/10
Luke Shaw – 5/10
Donny van de Beek – 5/10
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – Lucky to get away with looking for a cross in the first half that Martial scored on – but that was ruled out for a slight foul by Maguire.
Chris Basham (CB) – 8/10 – Produced a big tackle to stop Fernandes in the second half, summing up his strong defensive performance.
Phil Jagielka (CB) – 8/10 – Produced an important first half block to stop Greenwood. Lost Maguire in preparation for United’s equalizer – but turned into a hell of a defensive change.
Ethan Ampadu (CB) – 8/10 – Appeared with a sizable second-half block to deflect a wide Wan-Bissaka effort and was just as excellent as his central defensive partners.
George Baldock (RWB) – 7/10 – Instrumental in equalizing Sheffield United with their tenacious striker.
John Lundstram (CM) – 8/10 – The three Sheffield United midfielder has really impressed. Lundstram was generally dynamic and industrious, offering protection from the back line, instinctively leaning forward with determination and falling to the right-back to allow Baldock to move down the flank.
Oliver Norwood (CM) – 8/10 – Very skilled in possession; everything was crisp, clean, and fast. Protected all three backs effectively from possession.
John Fleck (CM) – 8/10 – Caused chaos with his dangerous corner, which was headed home by Bryan. Interrupting play effectively, intelligently on the ball and injecting real energy and intensity into the midfield.
Kean Bryan (LWB) – 7/10 – Gave the Blades the lead by climbing the highest from a corner and heading home. Was replaced after 53 minutes.
David McGoldrick (ST) – 6/10 – Barely flashed in the second half with a daring effort via the outside of his right foot.
Billy Sharp (ST) – 6/10 – Had a great opportunity to open the scoring but saw his effort put off by De Gea’s feet. Put in a tireless shift and was replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
Jayden Bogle – 6/10
Oliver Burke – 7/10 – Gave Sheffield United the lead with a deflected close range effort.
Rhian Brewster – N / A
