Post by deadbat on Nov 24, 2019 23:17:14 GMT
Podcast….
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Report below…..
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An incredible game of football at Bramall Lane saw United outplay Manchester United for 70 minutes and lead 2-0 but a stunning comeback from the visitors saw them score three goals in less than 10 minutes and threaten to steal an unlikely win. The home side did not give in and a late Ollie McBurnie goal at the death salvaged the point, which was the least they deserved. The Blades played very well for most of the game and took the game to their more illustrious opponents and but for that remarkable spell would have won the game. It was a mixture of pride and disappointment at full time for the home supporters who felt they did enough to win the game but equally would have been pleased to have taken something from it after the unlikely turnaround.
Manager Wilder had to make two changes with Henderson ineligible and Egan deemed not fit. Moore and Jagielka deputised. Man Utd showed the level of respect for the Blades by matching up with their formation with Phil Jones being played as an extra centre back in a formation they do not normally employ.
The game began with a cracking atmosphere inside a packed Bramall Lane and United took the game to their Lancastrian neighbours with Fleck winning several 50-50 challenges and Lundstram and Norwood controlling possession. McGoldrick was coming deep into little pockets and causing a whole host of problems with his hold up and link play. The home team were certainly well on top and had the first chances of the game when De Gea saved from Lundstram and then soon after the keeper produced an even better save from McGoldrick from Stevens’ inch perfect cross. United carried on with the high tempo play and won two corners in succession.
The opening goal came on the 19th minute. Mousset chased down Jones and held him off with a powerful challenge and his cross was hit goalwards from Lundstram and De Gea made an instinctive save but the rebound fell into FLECK’s path who prodded the ball into the goal. The Lane erupted in unison to salute the deserved goal from the Blades.
Manchester United had offered little in response and a rare break saw Martial have a low shot saved from Moore but the Blades continued to swarm forward, winning tackles and loose balls. Baldock and Basham played some lovely pieces of play down the right and then Basham led the charge with Mousset and McGoldrick also linking up well again. United were well on top and the visitors could not get a foothold into the game. O’Connell had to be alert to hook away from Fred just before the break but the half time whistle went with the Blades fully deserving of the lead.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to make changes and off came the wretched Jones for Lingard as Man Utd had to show more attacking impetus than they had showed in the first half where they had been second best. They had more of the ball and Rashford flashed a shot over the bar and the Blades had to be resilient and sit in more to begin the half.
Lundstram linked well with Baldock leading Williams to scythe down his man and get rightly yellow carded. Soon after Lundstram was booked also, for fetching down his man after his initial give away.
On the 52nd minute, the Blades took a real stranglehold of the game. Fleck came onto the ball as he had done all game, drove forward and played a lovely through ball to MOUSSET who could get a run towards goal. The striker still had a lot to do but took a touch and then hit a delightful curled effort into the far corner away from De Gea and the Blades were in dreamland 2-0 up!
Man Utd had to respond and Maguire was now playing as almost a midfielder and shot wide after a run on the angle. Wan Bissaka chopped down McGoldrick to get a yellow card and then Moore had to be alert to clutch a low cross. The Blades were not having as much possession as they had been having for the first hour and tired legs were eminent. James and Rashford were starting to create gaps and Mousset in contrast went down and had to go off holding his hamstring. McBurnie came on his place but the contest had seen a shift and Man Utd were now having a lot of territory and ball and it maybe came as no surprise when they got a foothold back in the game.
James got down the right and got away from Stevens and his cross was flicked away but WILLIAMS came onto it and hit a great angled shot right into the corner and the contest was back alive. The Blades now were struggling to stem the tide and Man Utd found an urgency they had not showed for the first 70 minutes of the game. It was not long before they were level with a goal similar to the first.
It came down the right-hand side again and this time Rashford sent over a cross and sub Greenwood diverted home with Moore not able to react in time. The game had been turned on its head and suddenly the away side sensed blood against a tired and stretched home team.
The third goal was a superb move when it came as James and Martial combined down the left to cut United open and when the cross came over, Moore was dissected and RASHFORD had the easy task of putting the ball into the open goal.
It had been a remarkable turnaround and out of context with what had occurred for most of the game. In a seven minutes spell Manchester United had scored three goals and turned around a game they had barely been in. The majority of the crowd were stunned.
Sharp and Robinson were now on for McGoldrick and Basham and the Blades tried to salvage something with just under 10 minutes to play. Man Utd had more half chances on the break but the Blades threw men forward and as the board showed four minutes stoppage time, United got the leveller.
Stevens did well down the left and Robinson helped it on and MCBURNIE volleyed it home after bringing the ball down. There was a delay as they checked for a handball from the striker with Man Utd players convinced he had used his arm but the replays showed it was his chest/shoulder and the goal was rightly given. After this United had another attack and Sharp nearly got on the end of a Baldock cross before Jagielka had to make a tackle to stop the Red Devils making another breakaway. The game finished end to end with both searching for a winner and in the end the final whistle came with both sides probably disappointed with the final outcome in a pulsating contest.
United – For 70 minutes we were brilliant. Like against Arsenal, Spurs and also Liverpool for long spells, we matched and even outplayed a more illustrious opponent. We were in their face, we won the loose balls, all the physical stuff and just were better than them. More than that we got on the ball, passed it and kept our composure. It was all good football and we never panicked. We got through gaps, found little pocket and got overloads. We could have scored through Lundstam and then Didzy and overall, we looked the far better side. They had matched us up formation wise but we totally won midfield and caused the defence problems with Jones in particular struggling. We then got the goal we deserved and continued to dominate. We really should and could have been 2 up at half time and I think they had one shot but this as easy for Moore. We were really so good and with Lundstram and Fleck all over the field on and off the ball and the front two so dangerous, it was a brilliant first half performance.
After the break they changed it and on came Lingard but we stayed right in the game. They maybe had more of the ball but we then scored another really good goal and you felt that was it. We just needed to keep it going for 10-15 minutes. Sadly, we started to sit back but it was more to do with us just being knackered. We had pressed and played so well, it was inevitable we would not have as much of the ball and they started to play more. Mousset going off injured was a big moment as they started to then see we had no out ball and they really started to pin us back. Still they had not had any clear chances and we had kept our shape but a poor first goal to concede and then it all turned. Another game from an identical cross and finish in the box and we were then panicking. It was like Villa all over again but against even better opponents. James, Rashford and Martial had barely been in the game but now were running all over us and we had no answer. They came at us time after time and for a spell they looked like the early 90s Man Utd with Ince, Giggs, Kanchelskis etc with such pace and movement on the break. For a 10-minute spell we could not cope. It was not bad play from us really. They just found overloads and we could not live with the pace. They scored a brilliant third through pace, skill and movement. You sat with your hands in your head thinking we have dominated a game for 70 minutes and then in less than 10 they have upped it and scored three. That is the harsh reality of this top level. So far this season we have not fell apart and got overrun like that. Would it have happened if Egan (and indeed Henderson) would have been in? I am not sure. We may not have sat as deep but sometimes another team just gets momentum. They could have scored more in this spell. It was bizarre as they had not looked like doing this all game and then bang, bang, bang. We were done for me but then suddenly they missed another chance and we broke away. We put another ball into the box and McBurnie scored. After this anything could have happened. I was proud we had fought back and got something. At the end it was such a mixture of emotions really. We played well enough to win, but then we have lost, then drawn. It was so bizarre. It was an exhausting rollercoaster really. What game to watch though. Many will focus on that 7-minute spell but for 70 minutes we were outstanding and on another day a team as well as Man Utd played don’t score all three shots in that spell.
Overall, today was another big step forward. We have outplayed Spurs and Man Utd for the last two games and now are disappointed not to win both games. That sums up how good we have been. We are outplaying and out footballing Premier League juggernauts. We keep this up and we will be fine and beat the lesser sides. We have a tough game at Wolves to come and the away record will get a thorough examination but after this we have a run of games against sides below us in the league. If we keep this level of play and performance then we will be absolutely fine and win far more games than we lose. At the moment I cannot knock anything (even with the 7-minute spell) we have been exceptional on and off the ball. Every player has upped their game and improved their performances. The team is playing consistently well and the football is superb to watch. We are a bit disappointed to not beat Man Utd. That sums up how great we have been.
Ratings:
Moore 7/10 – Did not have much to do first half other than one low save he held well. Did dither for a through ball once when Basham cleared but his handling and kicking was good. Second half he made one good save from a cross and then the goals. No chance on the first two. The third he kind of took himself out of the game but we were all over the place so not sure any blame could be attributed to him on any really. The defence/team left him exposed. First time we have let in three since Villa and was similar in the throwaway. He was fine though really and did not let us down despite the goals conceded.
Baldock 7.5/10 – Thought attacking wise first he was great getting down that side and causing all sorts of problems. He linked well with Lundstram and also Basham and we had so many overloads and he put some good balls in. He beat his man and drew a booking after the break but he had more defending to do of course. On the first he was ball watching a bit I felt and then the third it came down his side but the whole side were stretched. Would have liked to have been a bit tighter to his man but that is being ultra-harsh in another good performance. Both wing backs got a bit exposed by the shape we had.
Stevens 7/10 – Felt he did so many good things with the ball and linked well both halves with some lovely one touch passing and running down the flank. He was involved in some of our better attacks and also did well in the late goal. However, James left him exposed twice on the goals they scored and the was outstripped for pace. Not sure he had much help as they came at us with two on ones a few times but he will have been disappointed to see two crosses come in that led to goals.
Basham 7.5/10 – Thought for most of the game he was superb with so many blocks, interceptions and ground covered. He got across and intercepted many through balls and strode out with it. Like most of the team he was excellent for 70 minutes but then their pace and movement caused us issues and he was at full stretch as runners came at us and for all the defence, we were running through quick sand for that spell. I felt they got left one on one too much in this spell though. For the most part he played really well.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As with Bash, for most of the game, he outplayed his opponent and was able to come onto the ball, win tackles and headers and generally impose himself. He used it well, got forward when he could and just looked really solid. Then they score one and he along with the rest looked ragged and we got exposed badly as the pace and movement picked our whole team off. Still it was odd as they had not looked like doing that but they just ran off all our players to create chances. Maybe they needed to come out and play higher up or even get in a more solid line -we were all over the place in terms of our defensive line but it is hard when the tide turns.
Jagielka 7/10 – Did some great things with tackles and covers that rolled back the years and first half strolled it. A few times he lumped it when Egan maybe would have rolled it across or kept it and he went a bit too long. Second half he won more tackles and interceptions and used his experience but, on the goal, I felt he had given it away earlier and then after this he looked at full stretch and we struggled. He looked sluggish for a spell (as did the rest) but credit to him after we got back in it, he made a really great crunching tackle. He did well to say it was his first start against real searing pace and movement and what a lad to have around as cover. A real pro.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Some lovely touches and passes throughout where he just helped us move it on and keep control. He switched play quite a bit and showed once again his range of passing and ability to keep calm when under pressure. I felt when they had that spell, he kind of switched off and could have helped us block off the supply. They had the easy out ball and they were running through us in the middle and down the flanks. It is in spells like that where our lack of legs sometimes in midfield hurts us but then you could counter and say for 70 minutes we harried, pressed and outrun their midfield so it is hard to be too critical.
Lundstram 7.5/10 – Another excellent performance. Sure, he gave it away a few times with some passes intercepted and cut out but overall another lung bursting show where for most of the game we controlled midfield. He got forward, got into the box and caused them problems with his running and industry. He looks so fit and strong. To see him out run Man Utd players so many times was brilliant to watch and he just shrugged them off countless times. So many intelligent little balls and pieces of link play. As I say a few passed were intercepted and set them on the run but on both occasions, he ran back and tackles (once booked admittedly) and never gave in. He has kept his standards so high.
Fleck 8.5/10 – United’s best player for me. He was everywhere. He started the game winning two or three 50-50 tackles and then carrying the ball forward after this. He was at the heartbeat of everything good we did. He drove with the ball and penetrated when he could. He was up and down and for me the best midfielder on the field over the course of the game. He scored a goal following in and had a few other efforts too. He was relentless in his tackling, running and football when he had it. A brilliant performance.
McGoldrick 8/10 – Another excellent performance where he was close to man of the match again. First half a lot of our play went through him and is link up, flicks and body control was once again a joy to watch. He is such an intelligent player. Unlucky not to score with an effort and involved in most good things we did. He drifts off the front and combines with others and such a supremely technical player. He is one of those players you just love to watch, who even at this level slows it right down and makes the right choice.
Mousset 8/10 – Actually a few times the ball came off him or he did not quite hold it but overall, he was an absolute nuisance. He ran at the defence, outmuscled them quite a bit and never gave them a moment to rest. Got behind with his pace and won corners or possession with his strong running and pace. He made the opening goal with his pace and then picked out a cross and then scored a superbly taken second goal with a run and expertly drilled finish. He needs to work on his condition as he still looks knackered after an hour but his raw ability, pace and x factor marks him out as a player that can get even better and looks a superb signing. Just needs to last the pace as he went off and we struggled to have an outlet after this.
Subs –
McBurnie – When he came on many got frustrated that he did not close or run around and it is true to say his style is somewhat languid. He never looks like he has the energy and strength to make a difference and looks a bit out of his depth so far in what I have seen but to be fair he won a few headers and then got in and took his goal well. With the front two playing so well, he will have to take his chance from the bench at the moment but he did well today to get us a point.
Sharp – Put himself about and nearly got on the end of a chance right at the death when Baldock crosses.
Robinson – Actually really put a lot of effort in when he came on, closing down and sprinting around and then got a ball over for the leveller. Both him and McBurnie are being seen as scapegoats at the moment and whilst McBurnie maybe did not have the impact Mousset had, they could not be blamed for the three-goal throwaway, the whole team sat back long before McBurnie came on. Robinson came on at 2-3.
Manager Wilder 8/10 – For 70 minutes we were outstanding. Committed, pressing, hardworking and skilled and clever on the ball. It was a superb performance and we were full value for a 2-0. Then it all went wrong. He had to make a change with Mousset coming off. I actually think Sharp may have been a better option than McBurnie when Mousse came off or even us putting Freeman on and clogging up midfield a bit. After the change we lost our way but you felt it coming even before this I felt. We had sagged off. It was too late for him to react as it all happened so quickly after the first goal. We kept going which is testament to him and the team he oversees. Will be gutted not to win but relieved not to lose. However, as he says after a few beers will reflect on for the most part a superb performance for most of the game. He will of course make sure the players know they cannot switch off like that in games though.
Man Utd – For 70 minutes they were completely second best. They were outbattled and outplayed. They were not in the game. They had a few half chances first half but nothing clear and did improve a bit 45-70 mins after the break but overall, they could have no complaint to be 2-0 down. The Blades had worked out their weaknesses and swarmed all over them and had a lot of good attacks to score more goals. It was not just about battling and closing down, Man Utd could not live with our football and we found overloads and openings down both sides. They had changed the formation to match us up but this did not work and they had to change it at the half.
They looked a beaten side when the second went in though and not sure they really looked like getting back into it. Then the goal came which was well taken by the youngster and they sensed a chance. Another youngster scored the leveller and they felt they could go on and win it. They scored a really well made third when they cut through us like a knife through butter. You felt they had won it after an incredible and unexpected seven-minute spell but they could not see it out and conceded again. It was the least the Blades deserved and would have been daylight robbery for them to have won it.
Overall, they showed their pace and movement of the front three in that dynamic and scintillating spell but wondered why they had not shown this at other stages of the game. In the midfield area they were never in the game and looked poor at the back. The brief spell probably masks that they were second best for most of the game. They will talk about the fight back but ought to remember how bad they were for most of the game. They looked sluggish and disinterested as inferior players won every battle. They will take heart from the superb goals they scored going through the opponents with pace and skill of course and point to some really good young talent they have which points to a better future. Not sure if the current manager will oversee it. The demands are such they have to be around the top 4, transition or not, and if they continue to win one, draw one, lost one, type of form, they will finish around where they are, which is not good enough.
Clearly, Maguire, Wan Bissaka, James, Rashford, McTominay are the future and they need to add established quality around them. Not sure Jones, Periera, Jones are the sort of pieces to fit around them. They need to add genuine bona bide stars in January/next summer to want to contend for the top four. At the moment they are really no better than sides like us and Wolves/Burnley. That says a lot about where they are at.
Opponent Man of the Match – For the most part no one stood out. Maguire battled hard with little help and Wan Bissaka also showed moments going forward but the whole defence and midfield struggled really. The front three were quiet but then came to life for the final part of the game. I thought Martial was awful until the end of the game but James and Rashford were the two stand outs. James created two goals but Rashford even though not everything came off was a real threat with his pace and movement. He was involved in everything they did in that final spell. Without him they lose that game.
Opponent Weak link – I thought Lindelof was poor and got caught time after time. Fred and Periera lost midfield completely but there is no competition really for the worst player….Phil Jones. Got completely outmuscled on a few occasions and misplaced passes/clearances. Got hooked at half time. He was abysmal. How is he still even close to the Man Utd first team?
Referee/Officials/VAR – Thought the referee was fine really. Andre Marriner booked Lundstram, Wan Bissaka and Williams and all were fair enough. He tried to let the game flow. Cannot remember too many awful decisions he got wrong. We appealed for a few fouls early on for Mousset but not sure they were fouls. There were appeals for a foul on the first goal but Mousset was just stronger. VAR decision right at the end had us all worried but the replays showed it was off his chest and fair enough. Not quite sure why Man Utd/the referee kept the ball in the area. Surely if it is given as a goal, it should be on the centre spot until it is changed. Seemed a bit arrogant of Man Utd to think it had to be overruled. Nice to see one go for us but once again took out the emotion of a big goal.
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Cracking atmosphere at the Lane. Felt it had a real buzz about it pre game and as much as many dislike it, the light show adds to the overall feel of it being a big Premier League/worldwide contest. The first half saw us bang at it and the crowd responded and the noise showed how well we had played with the fans fully appreciative. Man Utd fans seemed frustrated and quiet and when we went 2-0 up and 90% of the ground sang, ‘There’s only one United!’ the Lane was rocking. Then the turnaround the away fans went wild and returned the chant of course! However, before they could celebrate too much, we got level and they were as deflated as we had been minutes earlier. A really cracking atmosphere to match an exhilarating contest. Mark Lawrenson called it the best game of the season in the Premier League and you could not argue. The eyes of the world were on Bramall Lane and the game and United did not disappoint. The remarkable journey continues.
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Report below…..
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An incredible game of football at Bramall Lane saw United outplay Manchester United for 70 minutes and lead 2-0 but a stunning comeback from the visitors saw them score three goals in less than 10 minutes and threaten to steal an unlikely win. The home side did not give in and a late Ollie McBurnie goal at the death salvaged the point, which was the least they deserved. The Blades played very well for most of the game and took the game to their more illustrious opponents and but for that remarkable spell would have won the game. It was a mixture of pride and disappointment at full time for the home supporters who felt they did enough to win the game but equally would have been pleased to have taken something from it after the unlikely turnaround.
Manager Wilder had to make two changes with Henderson ineligible and Egan deemed not fit. Moore and Jagielka deputised. Man Utd showed the level of respect for the Blades by matching up with their formation with Phil Jones being played as an extra centre back in a formation they do not normally employ.
The game began with a cracking atmosphere inside a packed Bramall Lane and United took the game to their Lancastrian neighbours with Fleck winning several 50-50 challenges and Lundstram and Norwood controlling possession. McGoldrick was coming deep into little pockets and causing a whole host of problems with his hold up and link play. The home team were certainly well on top and had the first chances of the game when De Gea saved from Lundstram and then soon after the keeper produced an even better save from McGoldrick from Stevens’ inch perfect cross. United carried on with the high tempo play and won two corners in succession.
The opening goal came on the 19th minute. Mousset chased down Jones and held him off with a powerful challenge and his cross was hit goalwards from Lundstram and De Gea made an instinctive save but the rebound fell into FLECK’s path who prodded the ball into the goal. The Lane erupted in unison to salute the deserved goal from the Blades.
Manchester United had offered little in response and a rare break saw Martial have a low shot saved from Moore but the Blades continued to swarm forward, winning tackles and loose balls. Baldock and Basham played some lovely pieces of play down the right and then Basham led the charge with Mousset and McGoldrick also linking up well again. United were well on top and the visitors could not get a foothold into the game. O’Connell had to be alert to hook away from Fred just before the break but the half time whistle went with the Blades fully deserving of the lead.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to make changes and off came the wretched Jones for Lingard as Man Utd had to show more attacking impetus than they had showed in the first half where they had been second best. They had more of the ball and Rashford flashed a shot over the bar and the Blades had to be resilient and sit in more to begin the half.
Lundstram linked well with Baldock leading Williams to scythe down his man and get rightly yellow carded. Soon after Lundstram was booked also, for fetching down his man after his initial give away.
On the 52nd minute, the Blades took a real stranglehold of the game. Fleck came onto the ball as he had done all game, drove forward and played a lovely through ball to MOUSSET who could get a run towards goal. The striker still had a lot to do but took a touch and then hit a delightful curled effort into the far corner away from De Gea and the Blades were in dreamland 2-0 up!
Man Utd had to respond and Maguire was now playing as almost a midfielder and shot wide after a run on the angle. Wan Bissaka chopped down McGoldrick to get a yellow card and then Moore had to be alert to clutch a low cross. The Blades were not having as much possession as they had been having for the first hour and tired legs were eminent. James and Rashford were starting to create gaps and Mousset in contrast went down and had to go off holding his hamstring. McBurnie came on his place but the contest had seen a shift and Man Utd were now having a lot of territory and ball and it maybe came as no surprise when they got a foothold back in the game.
James got down the right and got away from Stevens and his cross was flicked away but WILLIAMS came onto it and hit a great angled shot right into the corner and the contest was back alive. The Blades now were struggling to stem the tide and Man Utd found an urgency they had not showed for the first 70 minutes of the game. It was not long before they were level with a goal similar to the first.
It came down the right-hand side again and this time Rashford sent over a cross and sub Greenwood diverted home with Moore not able to react in time. The game had been turned on its head and suddenly the away side sensed blood against a tired and stretched home team.
The third goal was a superb move when it came as James and Martial combined down the left to cut United open and when the cross came over, Moore was dissected and RASHFORD had the easy task of putting the ball into the open goal.
It had been a remarkable turnaround and out of context with what had occurred for most of the game. In a seven minutes spell Manchester United had scored three goals and turned around a game they had barely been in. The majority of the crowd were stunned.
Sharp and Robinson were now on for McGoldrick and Basham and the Blades tried to salvage something with just under 10 minutes to play. Man Utd had more half chances on the break but the Blades threw men forward and as the board showed four minutes stoppage time, United got the leveller.
Stevens did well down the left and Robinson helped it on and MCBURNIE volleyed it home after bringing the ball down. There was a delay as they checked for a handball from the striker with Man Utd players convinced he had used his arm but the replays showed it was his chest/shoulder and the goal was rightly given. After this United had another attack and Sharp nearly got on the end of a Baldock cross before Jagielka had to make a tackle to stop the Red Devils making another breakaway. The game finished end to end with both searching for a winner and in the end the final whistle came with both sides probably disappointed with the final outcome in a pulsating contest.
United – For 70 minutes we were brilliant. Like against Arsenal, Spurs and also Liverpool for long spells, we matched and even outplayed a more illustrious opponent. We were in their face, we won the loose balls, all the physical stuff and just were better than them. More than that we got on the ball, passed it and kept our composure. It was all good football and we never panicked. We got through gaps, found little pocket and got overloads. We could have scored through Lundstam and then Didzy and overall, we looked the far better side. They had matched us up formation wise but we totally won midfield and caused the defence problems with Jones in particular struggling. We then got the goal we deserved and continued to dominate. We really should and could have been 2 up at half time and I think they had one shot but this as easy for Moore. We were really so good and with Lundstram and Fleck all over the field on and off the ball and the front two so dangerous, it was a brilliant first half performance.
After the break they changed it and on came Lingard but we stayed right in the game. They maybe had more of the ball but we then scored another really good goal and you felt that was it. We just needed to keep it going for 10-15 minutes. Sadly, we started to sit back but it was more to do with us just being knackered. We had pressed and played so well, it was inevitable we would not have as much of the ball and they started to play more. Mousset going off injured was a big moment as they started to then see we had no out ball and they really started to pin us back. Still they had not had any clear chances and we had kept our shape but a poor first goal to concede and then it all turned. Another game from an identical cross and finish in the box and we were then panicking. It was like Villa all over again but against even better opponents. James, Rashford and Martial had barely been in the game but now were running all over us and we had no answer. They came at us time after time and for a spell they looked like the early 90s Man Utd with Ince, Giggs, Kanchelskis etc with such pace and movement on the break. For a 10-minute spell we could not cope. It was not bad play from us really. They just found overloads and we could not live with the pace. They scored a brilliant third through pace, skill and movement. You sat with your hands in your head thinking we have dominated a game for 70 minutes and then in less than 10 they have upped it and scored three. That is the harsh reality of this top level. So far this season we have not fell apart and got overrun like that. Would it have happened if Egan (and indeed Henderson) would have been in? I am not sure. We may not have sat as deep but sometimes another team just gets momentum. They could have scored more in this spell. It was bizarre as they had not looked like doing this all game and then bang, bang, bang. We were done for me but then suddenly they missed another chance and we broke away. We put another ball into the box and McBurnie scored. After this anything could have happened. I was proud we had fought back and got something. At the end it was such a mixture of emotions really. We played well enough to win, but then we have lost, then drawn. It was so bizarre. It was an exhausting rollercoaster really. What game to watch though. Many will focus on that 7-minute spell but for 70 minutes we were outstanding and on another day a team as well as Man Utd played don’t score all three shots in that spell.
Overall, today was another big step forward. We have outplayed Spurs and Man Utd for the last two games and now are disappointed not to win both games. That sums up how good we have been. We are outplaying and out footballing Premier League juggernauts. We keep this up and we will be fine and beat the lesser sides. We have a tough game at Wolves to come and the away record will get a thorough examination but after this we have a run of games against sides below us in the league. If we keep this level of play and performance then we will be absolutely fine and win far more games than we lose. At the moment I cannot knock anything (even with the 7-minute spell) we have been exceptional on and off the ball. Every player has upped their game and improved their performances. The team is playing consistently well and the football is superb to watch. We are a bit disappointed to not beat Man Utd. That sums up how great we have been.
Ratings:
Moore 7/10 – Did not have much to do first half other than one low save he held well. Did dither for a through ball once when Basham cleared but his handling and kicking was good. Second half he made one good save from a cross and then the goals. No chance on the first two. The third he kind of took himself out of the game but we were all over the place so not sure any blame could be attributed to him on any really. The defence/team left him exposed. First time we have let in three since Villa and was similar in the throwaway. He was fine though really and did not let us down despite the goals conceded.
Baldock 7.5/10 – Thought attacking wise first he was great getting down that side and causing all sorts of problems. He linked well with Lundstram and also Basham and we had so many overloads and he put some good balls in. He beat his man and drew a booking after the break but he had more defending to do of course. On the first he was ball watching a bit I felt and then the third it came down his side but the whole side were stretched. Would have liked to have been a bit tighter to his man but that is being ultra-harsh in another good performance. Both wing backs got a bit exposed by the shape we had.
Stevens 7/10 – Felt he did so many good things with the ball and linked well both halves with some lovely one touch passing and running down the flank. He was involved in some of our better attacks and also did well in the late goal. However, James left him exposed twice on the goals they scored and the was outstripped for pace. Not sure he had much help as they came at us with two on ones a few times but he will have been disappointed to see two crosses come in that led to goals.
Basham 7.5/10 – Thought for most of the game he was superb with so many blocks, interceptions and ground covered. He got across and intercepted many through balls and strode out with it. Like most of the team he was excellent for 70 minutes but then their pace and movement caused us issues and he was at full stretch as runners came at us and for all the defence, we were running through quick sand for that spell. I felt they got left one on one too much in this spell though. For the most part he played really well.
O’Connell 7.5/10 – As with Bash, for most of the game, he outplayed his opponent and was able to come onto the ball, win tackles and headers and generally impose himself. He used it well, got forward when he could and just looked really solid. Then they score one and he along with the rest looked ragged and we got exposed badly as the pace and movement picked our whole team off. Still it was odd as they had not looked like doing that but they just ran off all our players to create chances. Maybe they needed to come out and play higher up or even get in a more solid line -we were all over the place in terms of our defensive line but it is hard when the tide turns.
Jagielka 7/10 – Did some great things with tackles and covers that rolled back the years and first half strolled it. A few times he lumped it when Egan maybe would have rolled it across or kept it and he went a bit too long. Second half he won more tackles and interceptions and used his experience but, on the goal, I felt he had given it away earlier and then after this he looked at full stretch and we struggled. He looked sluggish for a spell (as did the rest) but credit to him after we got back in it, he made a really great crunching tackle. He did well to say it was his first start against real searing pace and movement and what a lad to have around as cover. A real pro.
Norwood 7.5/10 – Some lovely touches and passes throughout where he just helped us move it on and keep control. He switched play quite a bit and showed once again his range of passing and ability to keep calm when under pressure. I felt when they had that spell, he kind of switched off and could have helped us block off the supply. They had the easy out ball and they were running through us in the middle and down the flanks. It is in spells like that where our lack of legs sometimes in midfield hurts us but then you could counter and say for 70 minutes we harried, pressed and outrun their midfield so it is hard to be too critical.
Lundstram 7.5/10 – Another excellent performance. Sure, he gave it away a few times with some passes intercepted and cut out but overall another lung bursting show where for most of the game we controlled midfield. He got forward, got into the box and caused them problems with his running and industry. He looks so fit and strong. To see him out run Man Utd players so many times was brilliant to watch and he just shrugged them off countless times. So many intelligent little balls and pieces of link play. As I say a few passed were intercepted and set them on the run but on both occasions, he ran back and tackles (once booked admittedly) and never gave in. He has kept his standards so high.
Fleck 8.5/10 – United’s best player for me. He was everywhere. He started the game winning two or three 50-50 tackles and then carrying the ball forward after this. He was at the heartbeat of everything good we did. He drove with the ball and penetrated when he could. He was up and down and for me the best midfielder on the field over the course of the game. He scored a goal following in and had a few other efforts too. He was relentless in his tackling, running and football when he had it. A brilliant performance.
McGoldrick 8/10 – Another excellent performance where he was close to man of the match again. First half a lot of our play went through him and is link up, flicks and body control was once again a joy to watch. He is such an intelligent player. Unlucky not to score with an effort and involved in most good things we did. He drifts off the front and combines with others and such a supremely technical player. He is one of those players you just love to watch, who even at this level slows it right down and makes the right choice.
Mousset 8/10 – Actually a few times the ball came off him or he did not quite hold it but overall, he was an absolute nuisance. He ran at the defence, outmuscled them quite a bit and never gave them a moment to rest. Got behind with his pace and won corners or possession with his strong running and pace. He made the opening goal with his pace and then picked out a cross and then scored a superbly taken second goal with a run and expertly drilled finish. He needs to work on his condition as he still looks knackered after an hour but his raw ability, pace and x factor marks him out as a player that can get even better and looks a superb signing. Just needs to last the pace as he went off and we struggled to have an outlet after this.
Subs –
McBurnie – When he came on many got frustrated that he did not close or run around and it is true to say his style is somewhat languid. He never looks like he has the energy and strength to make a difference and looks a bit out of his depth so far in what I have seen but to be fair he won a few headers and then got in and took his goal well. With the front two playing so well, he will have to take his chance from the bench at the moment but he did well today to get us a point.
Sharp – Put himself about and nearly got on the end of a chance right at the death when Baldock crosses.
Robinson – Actually really put a lot of effort in when he came on, closing down and sprinting around and then got a ball over for the leveller. Both him and McBurnie are being seen as scapegoats at the moment and whilst McBurnie maybe did not have the impact Mousset had, they could not be blamed for the three-goal throwaway, the whole team sat back long before McBurnie came on. Robinson came on at 2-3.
Manager Wilder 8/10 – For 70 minutes we were outstanding. Committed, pressing, hardworking and skilled and clever on the ball. It was a superb performance and we were full value for a 2-0. Then it all went wrong. He had to make a change with Mousset coming off. I actually think Sharp may have been a better option than McBurnie when Mousse came off or even us putting Freeman on and clogging up midfield a bit. After the change we lost our way but you felt it coming even before this I felt. We had sagged off. It was too late for him to react as it all happened so quickly after the first goal. We kept going which is testament to him and the team he oversees. Will be gutted not to win but relieved not to lose. However, as he says after a few beers will reflect on for the most part a superb performance for most of the game. He will of course make sure the players know they cannot switch off like that in games though.
Man Utd – For 70 minutes they were completely second best. They were outbattled and outplayed. They were not in the game. They had a few half chances first half but nothing clear and did improve a bit 45-70 mins after the break but overall, they could have no complaint to be 2-0 down. The Blades had worked out their weaknesses and swarmed all over them and had a lot of good attacks to score more goals. It was not just about battling and closing down, Man Utd could not live with our football and we found overloads and openings down both sides. They had changed the formation to match us up but this did not work and they had to change it at the half.
They looked a beaten side when the second went in though and not sure they really looked like getting back into it. Then the goal came which was well taken by the youngster and they sensed a chance. Another youngster scored the leveller and they felt they could go on and win it. They scored a really well made third when they cut through us like a knife through butter. You felt they had won it after an incredible and unexpected seven-minute spell but they could not see it out and conceded again. It was the least the Blades deserved and would have been daylight robbery for them to have won it.
Overall, they showed their pace and movement of the front three in that dynamic and scintillating spell but wondered why they had not shown this at other stages of the game. In the midfield area they were never in the game and looked poor at the back. The brief spell probably masks that they were second best for most of the game. They will talk about the fight back but ought to remember how bad they were for most of the game. They looked sluggish and disinterested as inferior players won every battle. They will take heart from the superb goals they scored going through the opponents with pace and skill of course and point to some really good young talent they have which points to a better future. Not sure if the current manager will oversee it. The demands are such they have to be around the top 4, transition or not, and if they continue to win one, draw one, lost one, type of form, they will finish around where they are, which is not good enough.
Clearly, Maguire, Wan Bissaka, James, Rashford, McTominay are the future and they need to add established quality around them. Not sure Jones, Periera, Jones are the sort of pieces to fit around them. They need to add genuine bona bide stars in January/next summer to want to contend for the top four. At the moment they are really no better than sides like us and Wolves/Burnley. That says a lot about where they are at.
Opponent Man of the Match – For the most part no one stood out. Maguire battled hard with little help and Wan Bissaka also showed moments going forward but the whole defence and midfield struggled really. The front three were quiet but then came to life for the final part of the game. I thought Martial was awful until the end of the game but James and Rashford were the two stand outs. James created two goals but Rashford even though not everything came off was a real threat with his pace and movement. He was involved in everything they did in that final spell. Without him they lose that game.
Opponent Weak link – I thought Lindelof was poor and got caught time after time. Fred and Periera lost midfield completely but there is no competition really for the worst player….Phil Jones. Got completely outmuscled on a few occasions and misplaced passes/clearances. Got hooked at half time. He was abysmal. How is he still even close to the Man Utd first team?
Referee/Officials/VAR – Thought the referee was fine really. Andre Marriner booked Lundstram, Wan Bissaka and Williams and all were fair enough. He tried to let the game flow. Cannot remember too many awful decisions he got wrong. We appealed for a few fouls early on for Mousset but not sure they were fouls. There were appeals for a foul on the first goal but Mousset was just stronger. VAR decision right at the end had us all worried but the replays showed it was off his chest and fair enough. Not quite sure why Man Utd/the referee kept the ball in the area. Surely if it is given as a goal, it should be on the centre spot until it is changed. Seemed a bit arrogant of Man Utd to think it had to be overruled. Nice to see one go for us but once again took out the emotion of a big goal.
Crowd/Atmosphere etc – Cracking atmosphere at the Lane. Felt it had a real buzz about it pre game and as much as many dislike it, the light show adds to the overall feel of it being a big Premier League/worldwide contest. The first half saw us bang at it and the crowd responded and the noise showed how well we had played with the fans fully appreciative. Man Utd fans seemed frustrated and quiet and when we went 2-0 up and 90% of the ground sang, ‘There’s only one United!’ the Lane was rocking. Then the turnaround the away fans went wild and returned the chant of course! However, before they could celebrate too much, we got level and they were as deflated as we had been minutes earlier. A really cracking atmosphere to match an exhilarating contest. Mark Lawrenson called it the best game of the season in the Premier League and you could not argue. The eyes of the world were on Bramall Lane and the game and United did not disappoint. The remarkable journey continues.
