Sheffield United showed a good account of themselves against Man United, but once again their efforts were unrewarded following another goal conceded in the last 15 minutes.
Player grades
Wes Foderingham: 5
Made an outstanding reactionary save in added time to maintain the level score at halftime. Managed to get two hands on the shot that led to the winning goal but couldn’t prevent it from finding the back of the net. Should have saved it. Also, sloppy playing out from the back almost resulted in a goal. Echoes of the previous match against Fulham.
Jayden Bogle: 6
Operating as a full-back with a primary defensive responsibility rather than the attacking duties typical of his wing-back role, and he executed this task effectively. Seized opportunities to advance up the field while maintaining discipline throughout the game. Remained closely marked to Marcus Rashford for the majority of the match.
Jack Robinson: 8
Once more, he demonstrated excellence, consistently winning headers, tackles, and displaying an astute understanding of the game. He played an essential part in United’s resilient defence under sustained pressure. His well-timed challenge on McTominay just before half-time epitomised his defensive prowess. Furthermore, he executed a crucial block on Garnacho in the late stages of the match.
Auston Trusty: 8
Another solid performance from the American. Broke up play in front of him, and mopped up the danger behind him. Shouldn’t have taken for United to get injuries for him to have been given a chance.
Luke Thomas: 5
The performance of the full-back was largely inconsistent, although it’s worth noting that he appeared to have suffered an early injury. There were instances where he showed good alertness to potential threats and performed well. But there were also moments when he struggled to maintain possession and looked scared when confronted on the ball, which resulted in completely missing the ball.
Vinícius Souza: 8
With a change in formation, United required additional protection in front of the back four, and Souza successfully fulfilled that role. He demonstrated a strong commitment to defensive duties and provided a valuable shield for the defence. He even carried the ball forward beyond his opposite numbers. His best performance this season.
Oli Norwood: 6
Much like Souza, he excelled in his role in front of the defence, focusing on safeguarding the spaces and gaps that the visitors sought to exploit around the penalty area. However, he couldn’t prevent McTominay from scoring the opening goal, as McTominay effectively used his strength to fend off Norwood’s lacklustre challenge. To add, his set piece deliveries were also poor which carries his mark down.
Gustavo Hamer: 7
Displayed versatility in his performance. He posed a threat in the attack, particularly as United aimed to exploit opportunities on both wings. However, with Thomas seemingly injured in the first half, he also effectively contributed defensively by tracking back and teaming up with his wing-back.
James McAtee: 8
As I pointed out in my match preview, McAtee caused Manchester United tons of issues with his dribbling ability. His best game in a Blades shirt this season, by far. Played mainly on the right and ran at the defence on numerous occasions, asking questions. It was his cross that was handled by McTominay for the penalty. Needs to carry this momentum into the next couple of weeks.
Oli McBurnie: 8
The striker delivered an outstanding performance, leading the team from the front. He dispatched the penalty brilliantly, helping United level the match. Unfortunately, he had to leave the field in the 51st minute due to what appears to be another injury.
Cameron Archer: 7
A much more active performance from Archer. He was buzzing around in and out of possession. Very good first half performance. But as soon as McBurnie came off in the second half he was taken out of the game in effect. Need to find a way to play to his strengths because hoofing it to Archer hasn’t worked, and that won’t suddenly change.
Subs
Brewster 6 (McBurnie, 51)
Osborn 5 (McAtee, 78)
Traore 5 (Archer, 84)
