Manchester United is enjoying its best run so far this season but could face a harsh return from the international break on Sunday when the team travels to face a Sheffield United team unbeaten in five games. The Blades sit fifth in the Premier League, one point above Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side coming into Week 13, making this a surprisingly valuable fixture in the jostle for a Top 6 spot.
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Sheffield United vs. Manchester United
When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
The Norwegian has led his team to just one defeat in its last seven games, though its upcoming hosts will take comfort in knowing that one loss came on the road to Bournemouth.
The Red Devils have traveled to Bramall Lane just once since 2000, a 2-1 road win in November 2006, when two goals from Wayne Rooney completed a huge comeback.
United has won its last six successive meetings with Sheffield (including two away wins) and hasn’t lost to the south Yorkshire outfit since the inaugural Premier League season (Aug. 1992). However, Chris Wilder has his underdogs operating above its means and looks capable of a surprise despite the gulf in pedigree.
Anthony Martial’s return to fitness has enhanced Solskajer’s side in recent weeks, transforming a swift United attack that already comprised Marcus Rashford and Daniel Hames. However, Sheffield’s three-man defense has proved problematic for opposing teams.
Premier League leaders Liverpool squeaked out of Bramall Lane with a narrow 1-0 win when it traveled there in September, while second place Leicester City only edged a 2-1 result.
Although it’s somewhat out of character for promoted teams, Sheffield’s best form so far this season has arguably come away from home, where it’s yet to lose this season (one win, five draws). That’s compared with a record of 3-3 in six home games this campaign.
Ashley Young is back in the selection for Solskjaer after serving a one-game ban, although 19-year-old Brandon Williams could keep his place at left-back for United after impressing in his early performances. Diogo Dalot, Nemanja Matic, Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe each recently returned to training for Sunday’s guests, although it’s unlikely we’ll see any of those options start in Sheffield.
On-loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson will miss out for the first time this season due to the fact that he can’t be featured against his parent club, which is a blessing for the Red Devils. Sheffield United reserve Simon Moore is likely to come in between the posts as a result. Wilder’s main injury concern is centre-back John Egan, who could be replaced by Phil Jagielka if he’s not ready to return from a recent calf injury.
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