Manchester United threatened to heap more pressure on Erik ten Hag last night but managed to recover to gain a crucial three points against Sheffield United.
Andre Onana gifted the Blades the lead with a poor pass that was intercepted and slotted into the back of the net by Jayden Bogle. Harry Maguire flicked home an equaliser for the Reds just before the break to restore parity.
Shortly after the interval, United found themselves behind again as Ben Brereton-Diaz fired home for the lowly visitors. However, the hosts showed their grit as Bruno Fernandes’ brace and Rasmus Hojlund’s close-range effort secured the three points.
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MEN Sport has taken a closer look at the moments you may have missed from the victory.
Ten Hag’s moment with the latest academy debutant
April 24 will always be a special date for the Ethan Wheatley household after the youngster made his debut for the club as a late substitute in place of Rasmus Hojlund. Say what you want about Ten Hag but there is no doubting his commitment to bringing academy talents through into the first team.
It has become easier to do this due to injuries this season but Ten Hag’s moment to have a joke with Wheatley after giving him his instructions, suggests he has created a tight bond with the future generation which INEOS are bound to like. It was a small moment but no doubt one that would have meant a lot to the 250th academy graduate to feature for the club.
If INEOS are serious about creating a younger profile team, seeing Ten Hag with Wheatley on Wednesday night shall not do the Dutchman’s job security any harm.
Old Trafford sends Ten Hag two clear messages
While frustration at the manager and this season is still there, it is clear the match-going fans are still willing to get behind him. Ten Hag spent a prolonged period applauding the Stretford End when he emerged from the tunnel pre-match and the supporters acknowledged him after what was a difficult few days for the club.
Ten Hag may have the backing of supporters but Antony clearly has plenty to do to win the fans back. After another ineffectual display, there were loud cheers when Amad replaced him.
The fans are ready to see fresh blood in the team now and it appears Antony could be a casualty of this movement.
United’s two key players obvious
Two United players distanced themselves as the key players for Ten Hag in the comeback victory. Fernandes’ brace showed why he is now captain as he pulled the Reds back from the brink.
But, it was the man the Portuguese replaced as skipper who stood out the most. Maguire showed all his experience against his old club and incredibly guided Casemiro through the second half after the midfielder turned defender’s shaky moments in the first.
His confidence to bring the ball out of defence and push the Reds forward is apparent and he seems to be one of the few who can be trusted when backs are against the wall.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
