Manchester United welcome Chris Wilder's Sheffield United to Old Trafford on Wednesday night looking to build upon their decent point away to Tottenham on Friday night.
For Wilder and his Blades they have failed to live up to their prel-lockdown form which saw them in the race for a European spot, however a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa and a 3-0 away defeat to Newcastle leaves the Blades out of form as we approach the business end of the season.
When and where?
The match will take place at Old Trafford on Wednesday 24th June with kick-off at 6pm.
Previous meetings
This will be the 95th meeting between these two sides in all competitions with the Red Devils winning 44 of those fixtures. The Blades have secured victory 34 times, however they haven’t enjoyed a win over the Manchester side since 1993, a 2-1 FA Cup win at Brammall Lane.
The last success Chris Wilders side enjoyed at Old Trafford was on Boxing Day 1973 in the Old First Division when the Blades won 2-1.
The earlier meeting this season ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw with United fighting back from 2-0 down only to concede in the 93rd minute to share the spoils. The last meeting at Old Trafford took place in January 2016 in the FA Cup with a 90th minute Wayne Rooney penalty separating the sides.
Team news
Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood and Nemanja Matic all made a significant impact after coming off the bench and will be pushing for a starting berth ahead of United’s return to Old Trafford, while Odion Ighalo and Eric Bailly were also involved as substitutes.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has injury and suspension issues. John Egan will miss out after being sent off in the defeat to Newcastle so Wilder is hoping Phil Jagielka has fully recovered from a rolled ankle suffered in training.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson will also be absent under the terms of his loan deal from Manchester United, with Simon Moore likely to deputise as he did in the reverse fixture
Jack O'Connell has missed the last two games through injury, though Wilder told reporters he is "progressing very well" and the Blades boss hopes to have David McGoldrick, who fell awkwardly against Aston Villa, back in his ranks.
Last five matches
Manchester United:
(D) 1-1 vs Tottenham
(W) 5-0 vs LASK (Europa League)
(W) 2-0 vs Man City
(W) 3-0 vs Derby County (FA Cup)
(D) 1-1 vs Everton
United’s form before lockdown gave many supporters that a top four finish is well within the Red Devils’ reach. Impressive wins over Man City and advancement in the FA Cup and most likely the Europa League has given the United fans something to cheer, alongside the arrival of Bruno Fernandes who has ignited the United midfielder.
Sheffield United:
(L) 0-3 vs Newcastle
(D) 0-0 vs Aston Villa
(W) 1-0 vs Norwich
(W) 2-1 vs Reading (FA Cup)
(D) 1-1 vs Brighton
Having collected just one point from two games since their return from lockdown has led many to suggest that a European place for next season may be out of reach after all. No matter what happens in their final seven games the Blades fans couldn’t have dreamt of a better return to the Premier League and Manager Chris Wilder is in line to win Manager of the season.
This will be a tight affair but United are looking impressive with Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the middle. Sheffield United defend well usually but Sunday they collapsed when down to 10 men.
A tight affair but a home win from it.
Match Preview written by Ryan Day.