Ben Brereton Diaz gave the bottom-of-the-table Blades the lead early in the second half, but Harry Maguire struck against his old team to cancel out Jayden Bogle’s 35th-minute goal in another wild Old Trafford match.
After that, Bruno Fernandes took over, scoring twice, including one from a penalty kick, and setting up another for Rasmus Hojlund.
However, it would have given Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport at Ineos, and Jason Wilcox, the recently appointed technical director of United, even more to ponder.
While United broke a four-match losing streak with 72% of the ball and 25 shots on goal, Ten Hag’s team has now surrendered at least two goals and scored at least two goals in each of their previous five games across all competitions.
When asked how Brailsford and Wilcox might interpret this turmoil, Ten Hag retorted, “We were completely under control.” I apologize; I saw a different game.
We discussed two drawbacks: discipline and focus. We had two giveaways and were behind twice.
But as far as the rest went, I believe we had complete control. The group demonstrated resilience. Although it is difficult to lose a game, we managed to overcome a small squad. We were more adept than they were. We were at ease.
Five minutes after the half, Sheffield United’s lead was restored when Brereton Diaz converted Ben Osborn’s cut-back, and Bogle punished goalkeeper Andre Onana’s mistake. The hosts caused their own issues.
Ten Hag continued, “We have to stop this process.” “If you want to win trophies and reach your goals, you can’t make such errors at the highest level.”
You have to stop making these mistakes and concentrate on discipline because it’s far easier to live a mistake-free life.
Fernandes’s leadership was instrumental in pulling United out of a difficult situation.
In the 81st minute, Auston Trusty hauled back Maguire to set up the first penalty for the Portuguese, who took the lead through a brilliant left-footed effort. He placed another on a platter for Hojlund four minutes later.
Ten Hag replied, “He demonstrates his leadership.” It’s crucial to pay attention to his energy and how he transitions in both directions. He strives to uplift the group. We are really happy with his performance and attitude, and he is doing really well.
With four games remaining, Sheffield United is currently 10 points from safety and a step closer to likely relegation as a result of this setback.
Following Saturday’s 4-1 home loss to fellow struggling team Burnley, Chris Wilder received a response but nothing more.
For me, it’s bittersweet, he remarked. “I disagree with the notion that Manchester United is a failing team. When you glance at the team sheet, you can see that they are stacked with elite athletes.
The other team sheet, which is the best we can provide under the circumstances, doesn’t contain any criticism of any individuals.
“You anticipate some pressure and the expectation that your goalie will make several saves, which he did.” You reach 80 minutes of play after scoring two goals away from home. The advantages are those.
“But the bad news is that we would not be in this situation if we approached things a little differently from a defensive standpoint, not just tonight but every game. We would also end up with a lot more points than we now have. However, we are.