Football

Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United player ratings: Dalot spares United’s blushes

October 21, 2023 10:37 pm

Manchester United fans will be breathing a huge sigh of relief after a Diogo Dalot wonder goal saved them from an embarrassing draw against Sheffield United. The away side were in need of three points after a slow start to the season and although they weren’t at their best, they did enough and at least now have some momentum ahead of next weekend’s Manchester derby.

The Red Devils took the lead somewhat against the run of play when Scott McTominay finished on the volley inside his own box. Their lead didn’t last long with Oli McBurnie equalising from the penalty spot after the ball struck McTominay on the arm.

After the break, Man Utd took control of the game and penned the home side in. After striking the woodwork a couple of times, Ten Hag’s men finally got the all-important winner through a long-range effort from Diogo Dalot. Wes Foderingham may feel he could have done better but Dalot hit it well and it earned Man Utd a deserved three points.

Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United player ratings

Match timeline

3′ – McBurnie snatches at a chance inside the penalty box and Onana saves well.

25′-  Cameron Archer has a go from distance and forces Onana into a good save low down to his right.

28′ – GOAL: Manchester United take the lead courtesy of a Scott McTominay volley.

34′ – GOAL: Oli McBurnie equalised from the penalty spot after a Scott McTominay handball.

44′ – Bruno Fernandes hits the crossbar with a nicely struck free kick.

68′ – Sofyan Amrabat rattles the woodwork with a long-range thunderbolt.

77′ – GOAL: Diogo Dalot makes it 2-1 with a wonderful strike from distance.

Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United player ratings
Photo by Icon sport

Star man – Harry Maguire  – 9/10

Harry Maguire has had to be patient to wait for an opportunity to get back into the Manchester United starting lineup and he is doing everything he can to stay in the team. This was Maguire’s best performance in a Man Utd shirt in some time with the England defender on the front foot throughout.

Maguire’s aggressiveness at the back allowed United to stay on the front foot in the second half while he also made countless clearances when Sheffield United piled on the pressure towards the end. What’s more, Maguire was excellent in possession – touching the ball more than any other player on the pitch and dictating the play from the back.

Sheffield United player ratings

Wes Foderingham 5/10 – Should have kept Dalot’s effort out.

Jayden Bogle 6/10 – Did well against Rashford but looked leggy towards the end.

Auston Trusty 6/10 – Made some important blocks.

Jack Robinson 5/10 – Struggled against Hojlund, particularly on the ground.

Luke Thomas 7/10 – Dealt with Antony fairly easily.

James McAtee 7/10 – Was bright on the ball in the first half but faded in the second.

Oliver Norwood 5/10 – Worked hard but couldn’t get close to Fernandes.

Vini Souza 6/10 – Was ready for a battle in midfield and put himself about.

Gustavo Hamer 5/10 – Offered very little.

Oli McBurnie 7/10 – Took the penalty well and occupied the centre backs throughout. His team missed him when he went off.

Cameron Archer 7/10 – Was bright and stretched the Man Utd defence at times.

Substitutes

Rhian Brewster 6/10 – Had a wicked effort well saved by Onana.

Ben Osborn N/A  

Benie Traore N/A

Manchester United player ratings

Andre Onana 7/10 – His best game for Man Utd so far with some good saves and impressive distribution.

Diogo Dalot 8/10 – Attacked down the right hand side all night and his goal won the game.

Jonny Evans 6/10 – Was guilty of being stretched by Archer a few times.

Harry Maguire 9/10 – Dominant in his defensive work and classy on the ball.

Victor Lindelof 6/10 – Out of position but he did his best.

Scott McTominay 7/10 – Got yet another goal and looks far better higher up the pitch.

Sofyan Amrabat 6/10 – Had a ropey first half but grew into the game after the break.

Antony 5/10 – Lacks quality and pace.

Bruno Fernandes 6/10 – Hit the crossbar and provided an assist for McTominay but still could have done more.

Marcus Rashford 5/10 – Still looks lacking in confidence despite his goal for England.

Rasmus Hojlund 6/10 – Held the ball up incredibly well and deserved a goal.

Substitutes

Anthony Martial 6/10 – Did okay and had a few bright moments.

Christan Eriksen 6/10 – Helped to keep the pressure on Sheffield United.

Alejandro Garnacho 7/10 – Attacked his fullback at every opportunity.

Raphael Varane N/A

Mason Mount N/A

Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United player ratings: The final word

It may not have been the most polished performance from Manchester United on Saturday night but they did enough to get the job done and that is at least something. However, if they play with the same openness and sloppiness as they did in the first half here next week against Manchester City then they could be on to a hiding.

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