Sheffield United FC vs Manchester United FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Sheffield United FC vs Manchester United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester United have endured a tough week, but will be looking to this fixture as a chance to rebuild their confidence.

Having dropped out of the Champions League last week by losing to RB Leipzig, they followed up by drawing in a disappointingly dull 0-0 with close rivals Manchester City.

A point was not the worst result in the world and should United win this match, they could see themselves move back into the top four. Win their game in hand and they’ll be just two points off leaders Spurs and Liverpool.

Still, there is a feeling that the progress made under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be further along than it currently is.

Sheffield United have, unfortunately for them, progressed from a solid, well-organised mid table team to a side sitting firmly at the bottom of the table after 12 matches.

Considering the Red Devils’ away form, Sheffield United have little hope of their form improving here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sheffield United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LLLLL

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Games against the big teams are a bonus to them

     Have to believe they’ll turn a corner sooner rather than later

Reasons to be fearful:

     In danger of drifting too far from those above

     One point from opening 12 matches is a terrible return

Whichever way you look at it, Sheffield United have the feel of a relegated side.

Comebacks have happened, of course, but no side has had as few points as Chris Wilder’s side and survived in the Premier League. No side in 50 years has had such a low points tally after 12 matches.

In their match against Southampton at the weekend, they attempted just 74 passes in the first half, the lowest of any side since 2007. They are, unfortunately for them, in a rut which they appear incapable of crawling out from.

Manchester United’s away form has been terrific in the league so far, and you can’t imagine them passing up this opportunity to return to winning ways.

Star Man – Phil Jagielka

Not so much a star player, but a shout out to the oldest outfield player in the Premier League since May 2013.

Manchester United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WLWLD

Reasons to be cheerful

     Can still keep up pace with the leaders with a win

     League away form has been perfect

Reasons to be fearful 

     Have a tendency to be complacent against smaller teams

     Struggling to combine their midfield stars

The positive to come out of Manchester United’s draw with close rivals City is that they didn’t lose any ground on the Premier League leaders, with both Spurs and Liverpool also dropping points.

Manager Solskjaer won’t be under any illusions that their performance against City was good enough, but they will look at this fixture as a catalyst to return to winning ways.

Their away form has been great – in fact they are searching for their 10th straight win on their Premier League travels, stretching back to last season. 

Edinson Cavani is the only injury doubt, but could be recalled. Solskjaer may take the opportunity to rotate some of his midfielders, with the likes of Donny Van Der Beek rooted to the bench against City.

Star Man – Bruno Fernandes

May actually be rested, but if he plays will add undoubted quality to the team