Man Utd vs Sheffield United tips and predictions: Goals, corners and mediocrity at Old Trafford
- George Dempsey
- 23 April 2024
Sheffield United are running out of time to pick up Premier League points but we expect them to make a fist of things against Man Utd at Old Trafford.
Man Utd have the chance to strengthen their grip on the top seven when they face a Sheffield United side who could be relegated by the end of the week.
This paints the picture of a very winnable game, and it sure is, but nothing would surprise us after witnessing an epic collapse against a Championship team.
United were 3-0 and cruising against Coventry yet needed a questionable VAR call to spare their blushes and take the game to extra time, before winning on penalties.
The fans didn’t feel much like applauding or celebrating after that debacle, but at least £100m flop Anthony had fun mocking Championship players who put in more effort than he typically does.
It’s safe to say that the team owe the fans a proper performance so they could fly out of the traps against the Blades, but the question remains if they’re good enough.
The amount of individual talent on show continues to shine, yet the lack of team spirit tends to undo their good work. This has become a season the Reds need to end as soon as possible.
We’ve seen Chris Wilder’s side dig in and give Liverpool a run for their money recently, while Saturday’s collapse only strengthens the likelihood they’ll offer a response at Old Trafford.
The Yorkshire club have shipped four or more on seven occasions this campaign, responding with two wins, two draws and several competitive defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Liverpool.
Diogo Dalot’s fierce strike spared some blushes in the reverse fixture, which United won 2-1, meaning five of the previous six meetings have been decided by one or fewer goals.
We aren’t expecting any shock here because Erik ten Hag’s side also needs to give a response and individual quality should carry them over the line, but they can’t be trusted to win by a margin.
To get creative and find some winning angles at Old Trafford, we want you to consider the corner market.
It’s an area where the Red Devils excel, averaging 8.07 at home per match, which is second only to Man City. On the other hand, the Blades allow 8.63 on their travels.
Teams news
Man Utd are decimated by injuries with Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Mason Mount expected to miss out.
Reports suggest they could be joined on the sidelines by Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Sofyan Amrabat and Willy Kambwala.
However, it's likely United are just exercising caution in the wake of a gruelling FA Cup semi-final.
Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, John Egan, Daniel Jebbison, George Baldock, Tom Davies, Jack Robinson and Rhian Brewster will miss out for the hosts.
Key stats
- Five of the last six meetings have been decided by one or fewer goals
- Sheffield United won 2-1 when they last visited Old Trafford
- Diogo Dalot’s late goal settled the reverse fixture as Man Utd won 2-1
- There have been over 2.5 goals in 13 of Man Utd’s last 16 matches
- Both teams have scored in five of Sheffield United’s last six matches
- Man Utd averages 8.07 corners in home matches and allows 6.53
- Sheffield United have allowed 8.63 corners in away matches and won three
Suggested bets
Build-a-bet: Both teams score, over 2.5 goals & over 10.5 corners
