Manchester United 4-2 Sheffield United: Fernandes double rescues Red Devils in victory over bottom side
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes rescued his side with two goals in a 4-2 home win over Premier League bottom club Sheffield United on Wednesday, just as more trouble loomed for beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag.
Twice, United trailed against a team destined for a quick return to the Championship, with Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz on target for the visitors, but Fernandes helped prevent another defeat.
He levelled from the penalty spot in the 61st minute following a foul on Harry Maguire, who scored United's first equaliser.
Fernandes then smashed home a blistering left-footed shot to put his team ahead, before setting up Rasmus Hojlund to finally defeat their opponents.
"At the end we came back. We put ourselves in a position where it's tough to win games. But also it shows a bit of character," the Portuguese said.
"We're scoring lots of goals. It's just about that compactness we need to have as a team."
It was another unconvincing performance from Ten Hag's side, who have conceded 50 league goals, but the victory lifted them above Newcastle United into sixth place, keeping them in contention for a European qualifying spot.
"Many positives today," Ten Hag said. "The resilience to fight back after losing two times. But also there were negatives. We gave it away, it can't happen, unacceptable, we have to learn from this."
While Sheffield United played with heart, Chris Wilder's side is on the verge of relegation if they lose to Newcastle this weekend. They have only 16 points from 34 games.
United's FA Cup semi-final victory on penalties was dubbed embarrassing by some after squandering a 3-0 lead against second-tier Coventry City and being saved only by a controversially disallowed goal in extra time.
Ten Hag came out fighting this week, branding the criticism as disgraceful, but the Dutchman appeared to be staring into the abyss as his team once again created trouble for itself.
They could and should have been well ahead as chances went begging, and Sheffield keeper Wes Foderingham made several outstanding saves, including one from Diogo Dalot in the first minute and another from teenager Kobbie Mainoo.
But United's habit of shooting themselves in the foot returned in the 35th minute, when keeper Andre Onana aimed a pass towards Dalot, but it was underhit, and the alert Bogle ran through to slot in a shot.
United drew level before halftime when Alejandro Garnacho, one of the bright spots in a disappointing season, whipped in a low cross that Maguire delicately glanced in with his head.
Only five minutes into the second half, United's defence was breached once more, with Ben Osborn cutting back a pass for Brereton Diaz to stab high into the goal.
United appeared stunned, and one can only imagine how new technical director Jason Wilcox and head of football operations Dave Brailsford reacted from the directors box.
But United were given a lifeline when Maguire went down in the box, and Fernandes stepped up to send his kick into the corner. Fernandes then demonstrated his class with a stunning finish, and United could finally breathe easy after Hojlund, who had scored the winning penalty on Sunday, steered in Fernandes' pass.
"He is really leading the team. I'm very happy with his performance," a grateful Ten Hag said of his skipper.
SportsLigue