Team News
Sheffield United will be without Chris Basham for the rest of the season after his serious injury, and John Egan (Achilles) will also miss the remainder of the campaign. Tom Davies is facing a lengthy spell out due to a thigh problem, and Daniel Jebbison remains sidelined through illness. Ben Osborn, however, could make his return after sitting out six matches with a groin issue, although Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Max Lowe (ankle), George Baldock (calf), and William Osula (muscle) are still working their way back to fitness. Saturday’s fixture may come too soon for that group, but their return is edging closer.
For Manchester United, Casemiro has been ruled out due to a “small issue” picked up on international duty, joining Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia (both muscle), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Amad Diallo (knee), and Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) on the injury list. Jadon Sancho also remains sidelined following his public dispute with Erik ten Hag. There is positive news for United, though, with Sofyan Amrabat, Raphael Varane, and Sergio Reguilon all available for selection after recovering from injuries. Amrabat could feature in midfield alongside Scott McTominay in Casemiro’s absence. Varane and Reguilon’s return will likely see Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans make way, with Victor Lindelof moving to centre-back from his makeshift left-back role. Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund all found the back of the net during the international break and are expected to line up in attack, with Fernandes possibly playing either on the right or in his preferred number 10 role.
Form Guide
Paul Heckingbottom is not alone in facing pressure to turn things around, as Erik ten Hag is enduring a difficult start to the season at Manchester United. The Dutchman has overseen the club’s worst start to a Premier League campaign in 34 years, with four defeats in their opening seven matches.
After back-to-back losses at Old Trafford to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, Manchester United looked set for another disappointing result before the international break. However, substitute Scott McTominay saved the day with two goals in injury time, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brentford. United’s away form this season has been unconvincing, with losses to Tottenham, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, though they did claim a narrow 1-0 win at Burnley. They are yet to secure consecutive away victories in 2023, but a trip to Sheffield United offers a prime opportunity, as the Red Devils have won their last nine Premier League games against promoted sides and each of their last six such fixtures away from home.
Predicted Outcome
With Sheffield United struggling to stay afloat in the Premier League, this match represents a must-win for Manchester United. We predict a 2-0 victory for the Red Devils at Bramall Lane, given their superior quality and the pressure both sides are under. While both teams will be desperate for a result, Sheffield’s defensive vulnerabilities are likely to be exposed, and Manchester United should have enough firepower to secure all three points.
Leave a Reply