Manchester United returns to action following the international break, and they do it on high spirits following their solid 3-1 win over Brighton the last time out. The Red Devils have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, and they must secure another positive result here if they are going to continue their rise in the Premier League standings. The opponent, however, won’t be an easy one. The Red Devils travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United. Kick-off for this match is scheduled for Sunday at 16:30 GMT.
Team News
If there’s one thing that helped Manchester United during the international break was the fact that several players managed to return to training. However, several names remain unavailable for this matchup. Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo have all been ruled out. But the likes of Nemanja Matic, Axel Tuanzebe, Luke Shaw and Nemanja Matic are all eligible to return to action. Eric Bailly remains out as well, although his return should be only a couple of weeks away.
The Blades won’t have goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who’s on loan at Sheffield from Manchester United. He is ineligible to play due to terms of the deal. Plus, defender John Egan suffered an injury on international duty and is likely to miss this match as well. All things considered, Sheffield should field something quite close to their Best XI entering this contest.
Form guide
Manchester United have been on the rise in recent weeks. Following their 3-1 win over Brighton the last time out, The Red Devils now own a W2, D1, L2 mark over their last five Premier League matches. However, they are W5, D3, L2 over their last 10 games in all competitions. The fact that United have also scored multiple goals in four of their last five wins should also be encouraging, as this team has had problems finding the back of the net all season long. Thus far, The Red Devils sit in 10th place of the Premier League standings with 16 points after 12 games (W4, D4, L4).
Meanwhile, Sheffield United sit in eighth place of the Premier League standings with 17 points, and they enter this match on an impressive five-game undefeated streak in the Premier League level (W2, D3). They’re coming off a 1-1 away draw at Tottenham the last time out. However, they have won their last two home matches while keeping clean sheets in both cases. Undoubtedly, The Blades should represent tough opposition for Manchester United.
What is our recent record against Sheffield United?
Manchester United defeated Sheffield United when these two sides last met. It happened in the 2015-16 FA Cup, where The Red Devils won 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty goal from Wayne Rooney.
In fact, The Red Devils have won the three meetings they have held against The Blades this century. United have scored five goals while conceding just one over that span.
Predicted outcome
Manchester United remain depleted through injuries, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still have enough talent at his disposal to field a strong team. Even though Sheffield United have a better position in the standings, The Red Devils shouldn’t have major issues to secure the win here. They have the more talented group and, despite Sheffield’s recent undefeated streak, they have not faced an opponent with United’s overall quality over that span. Plus, The Red Devils have been playing better and better each week, and that should be enough to secure the three points despite playing away from home.
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