Prediction: Manchester United vs Sheffield United

Verdict: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Wednesday night, Manchester United will welcome Sheffield United to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have eventually avoided an infamous FA Cup collapse over the weekend as they edged past Championship outfit Coventry, the Red Devils find themselves at the heart of a major crisis. With continued speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford past the summer, the former Ajax boss finds a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Last seen in Premier League action settling for a generous 2-2 stalemate away at Bournemouth, United now run the risk of missing out on any kind of European finish this season. Remarkably failing to win any of their previous six consecutive appearances within 90 minuets, ten Hag’s side have also shown some glaring defensive issues. In fact, United have shipped 15 goals in their last six outings.

Team News

Still dealing with a defensive crisis at Old Trafford, Manchester United will once again be without the likes of Johnny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and former Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane. Brazil international Casemiro should once again partner Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence.

Finding the net at Wembley last weekend and now recording seven goals in his previous eight appearances for club and country, Bruno Fernandes will certainly play a leading role here. Limping off at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, it remains to be seen if England international Marcus Rashford has sustained any major damage.

Sheffield United

As for the visitors, while Sheffield United might have made a Premier League return this season, the Blades have continued on a public top-flight nightmare. Putting in another woeful performance last weekend as they slumped to a 4-1 drumming at home against fellow strugglers Burnley, Chris Wilder’s men are limping their way to an immediate Championship return. Sat rock-bottom of the table and breaking a string of unwanted records this year, Wednesday’s guests have collected just three points from any of their last nine Premier League appearances. Opening April with a 3-1 loss at the hands of title contenders Liverpool, Sheffield United have continued to show a host of defensive issues. In fact, Wilder’s squad have remarkably shipped 88 goals in their 33 top-flight showdowns this season.

Team News

Dealing with a stacked injury list behind the scenes at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United will be unable to call upon the likes of John Egan, George Baldock, Chris Basham, Max Lowe and one-time Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster. However, veteran midfielder Oliver Norwood could make a first Premier League start since the end of February.

Notching four goals since completing a January switch since arriving from Spanish outfit Villarreal, Chile international Ben Bremerton Diaz will spearhead Wilder’s attack at Old Trafford. Former Everton midfielder Tom Davies could return to United’s squad on Wednesday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Sheffield United met for their reverse Premier League showdown on October 21st, the Red Devils collected a 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane.
• However, Man United have failed to win any of their last six appearances across all competitions within 90 minuets.
• Sheffield United have collected just three points from any of their previous nine Premier League appearances.
• Portugal international Bruno Fernandes has recorded seven goals in his previous eight appearances for club and country.
• Sheffield United have conceded 88 goals in their 33 Premier League outings this season.

Conclusion

While Manchester United might have eventually punched their FA Cup final ticket over the weekend as they edged past Championship outfit Coventry, the Reds will be desperate to avoid another potential banana skin here. Although ten Hag’s men might have endured a defensive crisis, the red-hot Fernandes has enjoyed a real free-scoring flurry. Notching seven goals in his previous eight appearances for club and country, we are backing the Portugal international to extend on his recent flurry.

Verdict: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Luckster