Manchester United will aim to build momentum this weekend when they face bottom club Sheffield United. United snatched a dramatic late win over Brentford in their last game thanks to super sub-Scott McTominay.

But Sheffield United are having a tough time back in the Premier League. They suffered another loss away to Fulham and also had the horror of captain Chris Basham breaking his ankle.

United have the individual talent to beat the Blades. But Sheffield United won't go down without a fight. This shapes as a great chance for United to get their season properly up and running with three valuable points.

Manchester United vs Sheffield United

The match will take place on Sunday, 22nd October, 2023, at Bramall Lane

Man United - Fighting Spirit Saves Blushes in Thriller

Just when all seemed lost, super-sub Scott McTominay improbably popped up with two priceless late goals to steal victory for United. The midfielder lashed in an equalizer in the 6th minute of added time, before heading a last-gasp winner. McTominay provided pure ecstasy for United fans with his refused-to-die attitude epitomizing the Red Devils' fighting spirit.

Maguire Plays Unlikely Savior

Written off by many, defender Harry Maguire emerged as an unlikely hero for United. Maguire provided a textbook glancing header across goal for McTominay's dramatic winner. Despite a lack of form and chances, Maguire made his mark when called upon. He showed desire still burns strong even as his Old Trafford days appeared numbered.

Gritty United Just Refuse to Give In

Staring down the barrel of a third straight home league loss, United rolled up their sleeves and battled till the final seconds. Their relentless pressure and determination to chase the game were rewarded when openings finally arrived. United's perseverance and resilience show the spirit Ten Hag seeks to build is taking shape.

Moments of Quality Light Up Gloomy Display

On a largely gloomy afternoon, United produced two moments of sublime quality when the pressure was highest. Garnacho's mazy run and cutback for the equalizer got United back in it before Maguire's superb header teed up the winner. These brief flashes of class spared United's blushes after another disjointed display.

So Close to a Famous Scalp

Brentford will be devastated to have victory snatched away in such dramatic fashion after heroically leading into added time. The Bees showed they could live with one of England's elite teams for long periods. But football can be cruel, and Brentford was denied a historic win right at the death at Old Trafford.

Hard-Fought Win Papered Over Cracks

Make no mistake - this lucky escape papered over the cracks still evident in Ten Hag's United rebuild. Shoddy defending, sloppy passing, and a disjointed shape remain causes for concern. But after showing enough heart to battle to victory, United's season now has liftoff. This rollercoaster win could prove a turning point.

Sheffield United - Troubled Blades Suffer More Misery

The Blades' day went from bad to worse when captain Chris Basham suffered a horrific ankle injury midway through the first half. Basham's leg seemed to buckle beneath him in innocuous fashion, leaving him with a suspected broken ankle. Seeing their leader stretchered off was a bitter blow, especially as Basham had been a rare bright spark.

Few Moments of Quality Before Freak Equalizer

With Billy Sharp sidelined, Sheffield United lacked an attacking threat for most of the contest. Other than Basham's positive runs from deep, the Blades offered little going forward against a disciplined Fulham. But a stroke of fortune saw Issa Diop's injury gift the visitor's possession to equalize through a Wes Foderingham own goal. It was their first chance to note.

De Cordova-Reid Pounces for Overdue Opener

Fulham have struggled to convert chances into goals this season. But Bobby De Cordova-Reid gave them lift-off here, ghosting in unmarked from a corner to sweep home his first of the campaign. After constant near misses this term, Fulham were relieved to see their pressure finally produce an overdue opener.

Midfield Battle Goes Begging

Up against technically gifted operators like Andreas Pereira and João Palhinha, Sheffield United couldn't get a foothold in midfield. Sander Berge battled manfully alongside Oliver Norwood but the Blades were often chasing shadows. Without midfield control, Sheffield United couldn't build sustained pressure or supply their frontmen.

Defensive Frailties Ruthlessly Exposed

After grinding out some stubborn defensive displays this term, Sheffield United's backline was opened up far too easily here. Loose marking from set pieces allowed De Cordova-Reid to sneak in his opener unchallenged. Bernd Leno then spilled Tom Cairney's shot for Fulham's second in another disappointing moment.

Gulf in Quality Leaves Blades Adrift

On this evidence, Sheffield United simply lacks the requisite quality to stay in the Premier League currently. Barring a drastic upturn in fortune and form, the Blades appear destined for relegation. But manager Heckingbottom will hope the spirit and resilience his side has shown can still spark an unlikely survival fightback.

Predicted Lineups

Sheffield United predicted lineup: W. Foderingham, A. Ahmedhodzic, J. Robinson, A. Trusty, Luke Thomas, G. Hamer, James McAtee, Vinicius, Jayden Bogle, C. Archer, O. McBurnie

Manchester United predicted lineup: Andre Onana, V. Lindelof, Jonny Evans, R. Varane, Diogo Dalot, S. Amrabat, C. Eriksen, M. Rashford, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, R. Hojlund

Key Battles

Raphael Varane vs Oliver McBurnie

Man United's experienced center-back Raphael Varane takes on Sheffield United striker Oliver McBurnie. Varane will aim to stop the physical McBurnie from bullying United's defense. But McBurnie loves battling with defenders and his aerial threat could trouble Varane.

Bruno Fernandes vs Sander Berge

In midfield, United's creative star Bruno Fernandes is challenged by Sheffield United's Norwegian enforcer Sander Berge. Fernandes provides the flair and ingenuity to unlock defenses. Berge works tirelessly to disrupt the opposition's rhythm and break up play. Whoever wins this duel gains control.

Christian Eriksen vs Jayden Bogle

Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen faces the pace and power of Sheffield United right-back Jayden Bogle. Eriksen will drift around to find pockets of space to dictate play. But Bogle's energetic overlapping runs could pin Eriksen back defensively. Their duel intrigues.

Conclusion

United must capitalize against out-of-form Sheffield United to get their stuttering season properly up and running. With individual talents like Fernandes, Eriksen, and Varane, United have enough quality to overcome the Blades' spirit and fight.