Sheffield United welcome Manchester United to Bramall Lane on Saturday evening, in their first game after the international break, as they aim to break a four-match losing streak.
Meanwhile, Man United are looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time this season, underlining their inconsistencies in the early stages of this campaign.
The Blades are still on a single point as we near the month of November, and neutrals aren’t expecting them to get anything from the game on Saturday. But, the visiting supporters aren’t entirely confident in their own fortunes.
Opposition fans
“Sat 8pm kick off in a decent, close, Northern city… Could be one of the greatest aways in utd history… (not going).”
“In Sheffield for 1pm, won’t remember a thing about the game which is a blessing these days.”
“Six pointer.”
“They’re averaging nearly three goals conceded per game (boosted by that Newcastle game of course), and we’re averaging barely over a goal a game scored. In true football fashion, this will be an absolute pain to watch and finish 0-0.”
“Promoted team away from home. Guaranteed 3-1 loss.”
“These lot haven’t won a game this season and sit on one point after 8 games. Enter Manchester United.”
“We’re shocking but they’re even worse… didn’t think it was possible for a team to be worse than us. However I wouldn’t be surprised if they beat us.”
“Trying to work out how we are going to make this lot look like a good side. OK, I don’t expect eight like Newcastle (we barely score than many in a month) but anything other than a stroll will be just another disgrace in a long list of disgraces.”
“Our midfield is barely better than Luton’s right now and they almost beat Manchester City on their ground.”
Stats
Sheffield United’s Premier League campaign has been a struggle, with just one point from their first eight games (W0 D1 L7), tying them for the lowest total at this stage. A defeat in their upcoming match would mark the 10th instance in English top-flight history of a team having one or fewer points from their first nine games in a season. The Blades could potentially become the first team to do so more than once, as they had one point in their opening nine games in the 2020-21 season.
Manchester United has maintained a perfect scoring record in all 10 of their Premier League encounters with Sheffield United, a feat only matched against Swansea (14/14) and Nottingham Forest (13/13) in the competition.
Sheffield United’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, has faced a challenging Premier League tenure, losing 14 of his 18 games (78% – W3 D1). Among managers with 10 or more games in the competition, only Jan Siewert has a worse loss ratio, with 80% losses (12 defeats in 15 games) [BBC].
Opinion
It’s hard to be positive about Sheffield United at the minute, but I’m going to try to be. It’s a sell out crowd under the Bramall Lane lights. It’s likely going to be wet and windy. Make it a dog fight and don’t give anything cheap away.
Having watched Manchester United a few times this season I really don’t know what to expect. Their shape is often disjointed. However, they still have enough quality to come up with the goods.
I think the Blades find the net, Man United will too. I’m going for one all.
