Manchester United’s title hopes in the Premier League were dealt a blow on Wednesday evening, as they were shocked by Sheffield United at Old Trafford. The visitors came into the game having won just once all season and rooted to the bottom of the league table.
Meanwhile, United were riding high and looking to continue their 12-match winning run to go back to the top of the league. However, in this unpredictable Premier League season, a shock result is never far from happening. That turned out to be the case last night, as the Blades claimed a surprise 2-1 victory at the Theatre of Dreams.
Soccer News: Lacklustre United Punished
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained in his programme notes that he was hoping United’s recent FA Cup win over Liverpool would give them the confidence they needed to push on. However, that confidence that was flowing on Sunday was evidentially missing on Wednesday night, as the Red Devils struggled to get out of second gear for much of the contest.
The Blades struck first at Old Trafford, as Kean Bryan headed home from less than six yards out. However, there was slight controversy around the goal, as it appeared Billy Sharp had pushed David De Gea in the United goal. Solskjaer was fuming with the decision at full-time, and recalled the Anthony Martial goal that was ruled out in the same half for a very similar phase of play.
Soccer News: Huge Week For United
United came out for the second half with a spring in their step, and eventually forced themselves level with 25 minutes remaining through Harry Maguire. However, the Blades went back ahead 15 minutes from time through Oliver Burke after some miserable defending from United, which gave the Sheffield United striker two attempts at goal in the space of a couple of seconds.
The defeat for United means that they have now handed complete control of the league table to Manchester United, who are one point clear of their local rivals with a game in hand. The games don’t get much easier for United over the next seven days, as they travel to the capital on Saturday afternoon to take on Arsenal, before Southampton are the visitors to Old Trafford next week. Solskjaer will be hoping that his side can get back to winning ways with a huge success at the Emirates on Saturday.
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!