Match Preview : Sheffield United VS Manchester United

Sheffield United vs Manchester United – Bramall Lane – 24/11/19 – KO: 16:30

Thank God that’s over… Real football is back which means Manchester United are back.

Manchester United return from an international break to face what may prove to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s toughest away test thus far this season. Prior to the break, the Red Devils put 3 past Brighton Hove Albion at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping to pick up where he left off against Chris Wilder’s blades.

How Do Manchester United Look?

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Manchester United have been provided with a surprising injury boost. During the break; Timothy Fosu Mensah, Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot were able to step up their recovery. They all returned to first-team training this week, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed due to their lack of match fitness they will be not be in contention for Sunday’s trip for Sheffield.

Scott Mctominay’s likely absence, however, will prove to be a massive blow to a thin midfield selection. The ankle injury the Scotsman sustained against Brighton will keep him out for the next couple of fixtures according to Ole. Paul Pogba is now out of his cast, but again will not be in contention for the upcoming weeks.

He [Pogba] had another test and scan just at the start of the break and it’s not healed yet, stepping up the recovery so he doesn’t have to have the cast on. He’s been out for 6 or 7 weeks. You do lose alot of muscle so he’s gradually now stepping up walking on the treadmill, biking. It’ll be a few weeks – we hope to see him in 2019.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Press Conference MUTV

Opposition: The Blades

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Chris Wilder has built a team that has caught the eye of many this season. His industrial, physical side have played disciplined football. A style of play that has put them in 5th coming into this premier league weekend, behind 4th place Manchester City.

The Blades have been in brilliant form this season and look likely to stay in the league. Last time out, their domination of Tottenham Hotspur saw them pick up a point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when in reality a dodgy VAR offside decision cost them 3 points. That game was Pochettino’s last. Welcome back Jose by the way, good to have you back!

Sheffield United’s home form has seen them beat Arsenal and lose to Liverpool in a marginal loss. Luckily for ourselves, their best player this season, Dean Henderson, won’t be playing due to the loanee rule.

Key Stats: Sheffield United vs Manchester United

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• After beating Manchester United on the opening day of the Premier League in August 1992, Sheffield United have lost their last 5 against Manchester United in the top flight.
• Manchester United have won their last 7 meetings with the Blades in all competitions with an aggregate score of 14-1.
• Since Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United have lost 6 of 19 away Premier League games against promoted sides, one fewer than they did in 62 games under the Scotsman.
• Marcus Rashford has 5 in 5 in all competitions for United, a goal on Sunday will see him score in 3 consecutive games for the first time since September 2017.

Sunday’s game will be difficult, not many teams this season have gone to Bramall Lane and been able to comfortably implement their footballing style. However, Ole is under pressure. Pochettino is out of work and Mourinho has taken the job at Spurs. Manchester United need consistency. Time to get it.