Manchester United-Sheffield United is a rematch of the 29th day of the Premier League and is played Wednesday at 9 p.m.: live TV, probable formations, predictions.
Manchester United on Sunday narrowly avoided what would have been yet another psychodrama of the season by managing to pull off the pass to the FA Cup final. Where, just as happened a year ago, they will meet their cousins Manchester City and can thus take their revenge.
What a struggle, though, to take out “little” Coventry, a Championship club. Which surprisingly came to play the prestigious semifinal of the most important national cup. The Red Devils, leading 3-0 until 20 minutes from the end, were sensationally reeled back in less than half an hour by the Sky Blues, cashing in the equalizing goal in the midst of recovery. And the omelet seemed done at 120′, when Torp’s 4-3 goal was disallowed because it was vitiated by offside. It then took penalty kicks to fold the cadet-league team, averting an embarrassment that would have made a lot of noise. Coach Erik ten Hag, who is still hoping for an unlikely reappointment, also breathed a sigh of relief. His Manchester United cannot possibly miss qualifying for either the Europa or Conference League. It is currently seventh, tied on points with Newcastle, which is also involved in a midweek recovery.
Bruno Fernandes and his teammates will host at Old Trafford bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, which is only waiting for the mathematics of an announced relegation. Chris Wilder’s Blades have never really been in the running for salvation, and after only one year in the Premier League, they are about to return sadly to the Championship. Impressive is the number of goals they have conceded so far: on Saturday they cashed in four more from Burnley (1-4), coming as close as 90 (so far it’s 88).
The Prediction
The three points should come without any problems for Manchester United. However, it cannot be ruled out that in light of the numerous absences in defense – ten Hag will have to deploy central Casemiro – Sheffield United could score at least one goal at Old Trafford. More than three goals overall are expected.
The likely lineups for Manchester United-Sheffield United
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Casemiro, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Diallo; Hojlund.
SHEFFIELD UNITED (3-5-2): Grbic; Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty; Bogle, Hamer, Arblaster, Souza, Osborn; McBurnie, Brereton Diaz.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
