DIOGO DALOT’S screamer earned Manchester United their second straight Prem win – with Scott McTominay once again surprisingly taking centre stage.
Midfielder McTominay followed his match-winning stoppage-time double against Brentford with the opener at Bramall Lane – only for his handball to enable Oli McBurnie to hit a penalty leveller on 34 minutes.
ReutersDiogo Dalot measures his 25-yard special to restore Man Utd’s lead[/caption]
GettyScott McTominay was again prominent on his dramatic recall to the starting XI[/caption]
United made their possession count against Sheffield
Bruno Fernandes and Sofyan Amrabat struck the bar after that before Dalot fired the Red Devils up to ninth with their fifth victory in nine Prem games.
But boss Erik ten Hag still has some major questions after another so-so display.
Here’s how his players rated individually as they sunk battling bottom side Sheffield United….
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Early save from McBurnie and a couple of later ones from Archer was more solid than of late but still too casual with the ball at times. Showed good concentration in the second half.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Full-back pumped a couple of threatening crosses into the box but United’s shaky, second-string defence, meant he was more concerned with defensive duties. No hint of the heroics to come until his late wonder winner.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Early deflection off him nearly handed Sheffield a sight of goal but while he relished the tussle against the Blades’ big forward players. Struggled at times against Archer’s running but looked at home back at Bramall Lane.
JONNY EVANS – 5
Veteran showed his smarts to get himself out of trouble on a couple of occasions but, with the midfield offering little cover, was exposed by the Blades’ movement and pace up front and earned a late yellow.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 5
Nice touch in the build-up to the opener and made a couple of important tackles and blocks but all too often booted the ball blindly upfield – to ten Hag’s annoyance.
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Harry Maguire impressed at centre-back against the Blades
SOFYAN AMRABAT – 5
Gifted Cameron Archer an early chance by losing the ball in midfield. Was by-passed far too easily by Sheffield’s attack and looked off the pace on a couple of occasions.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 6
Hero to villain in a couple of minutes with an impressive finish and conceding a spot kick – currently, United’s best hope of a goal but can’t control a midfield.
ANTONY – 5
First start since September 3 and didn’t take long to start peppering shots on the home goal. Couple of good flashes but not enough and easy candidate to make way after the hour.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Hit the bar with a well-struck first half free-kick, having played a part in their opener. Did not offer much of an attacking threat outside of occasional long-range hits.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
United showed little quality but, on another night, he could have had three assists for Hojlund alone. On this occasion, could have done with being more selfish.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
Still looking for his first league goal and, had he been slightly sharper, could have had two before the break but slid in too late and was denied by the keeper. Missed an even better chance after the break.
GettyUnited honoured Sir Bobby Charlton with a much-needed win[/caption]
SUBS
Anthony Martial for Hojlund 63 mins – 5
Wasted a pass in a good position in the SheffU box, the story of United’s night.
Christian Eriksen for McTominay 63 mins – 6
Brought on to try and unlock the home defence. Did not do so directly but helped add urgency to the attack.
Alejandro Garnacho for Antony 63 mins – 7
Excited the United fans behind the home goal every time he got on the ball in the Sheffield area and started the move for the winner.
Raphael Varane for Evans 84 mins – 5
Not clear why he did not start and, when Evans was booked for a clumsy foul, he was pressed into late action.
Mason Mount for Rashford 87 mins – 5
Coming back from injury, was given a couple of minutes late run-out.
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