MANCHESTER:
Bruno Fernandes eased the pressure on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who was short of shots, as his brace inspired a nervy 4-2 win against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Ten Hag’s side lost twice to the Premier League’s bottom side at Old Trafford before Fernandes came to the aid of his beleaguered manager in the second half.
Jayden Bogle put the Blades ahead and although Harry Maguire equalized before half-time, Ben Brereton Diaz restored the visitors’ advantage just after the break.
Fernandes saved Ten Haag with a penalty equalizer before the Portuguese midfielder’s long-range rocket put United ahead with nine minutes remaining.
Rasmus Hojlund grabbed United’s fourth to ensure they could finally enjoy a first league win in five games since beating Everton on March 9.
“I think we played quite well, also creating a lot more chances. A lot of positives. But also negatives. To concede two goals from donations. It’s unacceptable,” Ten Haag said.
“I’m happy with the win overall. Did you see any panic? No, not at all. We were very calm. We have to learn from it.”
It was a temporary relief for Ten Haag, who hopes to salvage United’s dismal sixth-placed season by winning the FA Cup and finishing high enough to qualify for the Europa League.
“We are trying to progress the team. The number of goals we are scoring at the moment is a huge step forward. If we have our back four back together then I am sure we will be more consistent,” said Ten Hag.
The Blades are 10 points adrift of safety with just four games remaining as they sink towards relegation just a year after being promoted from the Championship.
Ten Hag came under heavy criticism as United stumbled into the FA Cup final with a big win against second-tier Coventry on Sunday.
United blew a three-goal lead into the final 19 minutes of regular time at Wembley and then narrowly escaped penalties to book a final date with Manchester City.
Criticized for the sloppy performance, Ten Haag strongly defended his credentials on Tuesday, telling reporters the negative coverage of the semi-final was “shameful” as the former Ajax boss insisted he had been successful over the past 10 years.
However, United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox has reportedly been asked by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe to conduct a review of ten Haag’s training methods and sometimes fractious relationship with his players.
Watching from the directors’ box, Wilcox barely managed to take his seat before United’s Diogo Dalot was dealt a fierce challenge by goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
United were rocked in the 35th minute as Andre Onana gifted the visitors their opener.
Attempting to play the ball to Dalot, the United keeper failed to spot Bogle lurking in the way and the Blades midfielder cut in before firing into the empty net.
Ten Haag was left in ashes on the pitch after conceding United’s 75th goal in all competitions this season — the club’s most in a single season since 1977-78.
United fell behind for just seven minutes as Maguire stooped to head home Alejandro Garnazzo’s free-kick following a contested foul on Coby Maino.
But the flaws in United’s scruffy defense were exposed again in the 50th minute as they conceded two in one game for the fifth successive match.
Ben Osborne cut the ball back to Brereton Diaz and he punished sloppy marking to slot home a fine finish past Onanas.
Fernandes pulled United level with a 61st-minute penalty after Maguire was brought down.
To Ten Haag’s relief, Fernandes struck in the 81st minute, driving through midfield before unleashing a brilliant strike past Foderingham from 30 yards.
Four minutes later, Hojlund ended an eight-game goalless streak as he pounced on Fernandes’ cross to give Ten Haag some breathing space.
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