Manchester United were direct and attacked with purpose, while creating multiple opportunities for their front players.
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Manchester United twice came from behind to register an important win over Sheffield United in the Premier League. It was a much-needed three points for the Red Devils following their recent poor run. Conceding late goals has become a theme in United’s games recently, as the club lost significant ground in the race for a top-four finish. Now though United would – at the very least – like to maintain their top-seven status, which could guarantee them a Europa League or Conference League place.
With the other teams behind Manchester United closing the gap on them lately, the three points gained against Sheffield United were extremely vital for the club. United headed into the contest on the back of registering a hard-fought penalty shootout win over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final, where they blew away a 3-0 cushion. Hence, there was plenty of frustration among some supporters despite the team sealing their place in the final.
Hence, they were looking for a response in the Premier League contest on Wednesday night and they got it in some style. Even though Man United had to twice come from behind to win the fixture 4-2, the overall performance of the club would have pleased many. United were direct and attacked with purpose while creating multiple opportunities for their front players. What Erik ten Hag liked the most about the win was the lack of panic despite his side going behind twice.
“It was a good game for the crowd. Many positives today – the resilience to fight back after, two times, we were losing. Straightforward, also negatives. The two goals annoy me. Real giveaways. It can’t happen. Unacceptable. Losing focus and the second goal was about indiscipline. We have to learn from this and improve on that factor. Good goals, our goals were very good as well, from set plays and also open play. We created many more chances and I’m happy with the win and we move on,” ten Hag told BBC’s Match of the Day, talkSPORT and Sky Sports after the game.
He added: “Sheffield United also collected points lately, against good teams like Chelsea, for instance, and there are no easy games. We were losing but we are resilient. You see it again, the team spirit in the dressing room. We can deal with setbacks and just increase the tempo, make it difficult for our opponents, create more chances and keep calm. Have you seen some panic? No, not at all. The team was very composed and very stable. We played very well, kept making connections and looking for switches, creating chances throughout the game.”
The manager also showered praise on their captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored twice and set up another goal for Rasmus Hojlund. Notably, Fernandes’ second goal was a stunner with his left foot from a long way out. Heaping praising on the Portuguese star, ten Hag said, “He’s in very good form. He is very happy in his position on the field. So I think he finds his place in this team, he’s very creative, scoring goals, giving assists and is very important in transition, both ways. I’m very happy with his performance.”
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