Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes came to his side’s rescue with two goals in a thrilling 4-2 home victory over the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United on Wednesday, just when more trouble loomed for beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag.
Twice United trailed against a side destined for a quick return to the Championship, with Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz both on target for the visitors. However, Fernandes helped avert another damaging result for United, leveling from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after a foul on Harry Maguire, who had earlier scored United’s first equalizer.
Fernandes then showcased his brilliance with a sizzling left-footed shot to edge his side in front before setting up Rasmus Hojlund to finally subdue their battling opponents. While United’s performance was far from convincing, the victory moved them into sixth place, keeping them in the hunt for a European qualifying spot.
Meanwhile, time is running out for Sheffield United, who have only 16 points from 34 games and could face relegation at the weekend. United’s recent FA Cup semi-final win on penalties was met with criticism after they squandered a 3-0 lead against second-tier Coventry City and were spared defeat only by a controversially disallowed goal in extra time.
Ten Hag came out fighting this week, branding the criticism disgraceful. However, the Dutchman appeared to be facing an uphill battle as his side once again conjured up trouble of their own making. United could and should have been well ahead, but chances went begging, and Sheffield keeper Wes Foderingham pulled off several great saves, including one from Diogo Dalot in the opening minute and another from teenager Kobbie Mainoo.
However, United keeper Andre Onana gifted the visitors the lead in the 35th minute with a dreadful pass out that was intercepted by Bogle, who ran through to score. United was level before halftime as Alejandro Garnacho, one of the shining lights in a poor season, whipped in a low cross that Maguire delicately glanced in with his head.
The second half was only five minutes old when United’s defense was breached all too easily, with Ben Osborn cutting back a pass for Brereton Diaz to stab high into the net. United looked stunned but was handed a lifeline when Maguire went down in the box, and Fernandes stepped up to send his kick into the corner.
Fernandes then showed his class with a superb finish, and United could finally breathe easy as Hojlund, who scored the winning penalty on Sunday, steered in Fernandes’s pass to seal the victory.
A relieved Ten Hag praised Fernandes’ impact, saying, “Bruno is a leader and a winner. He showed his quality today, and I am delighted with his performance.”
