Manchester United made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 victory over winless Sheffield United at Bramall Lane that was every bit as scrappy as the scoreline.
It was a game draped in emotion following the death of England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton at the age of 86.
Scott McTominay kept up his scoring ways by making it 1-0 but conceded a penalty within five minutes. Oliver McBurnie converted the spot kick and it was 1-1 until the 77th minute.
WATCH SHEFFIELD UNITED VS MANCHESTER UNITED FULL MATCH REPLAY
That’s when Diogo Dalot scored a sensational winner in the rain to lift the Red Devils to the win in a too-close affair away to the Premier League’s worst team.
The Blades are in 20th place with one point and a league-worst minus-17 goal differential.
Man United pulls into eighth with 15 points, just one fewer than fifth-place Newcastle and six off the table lead.
‘Not a perfect win, but a necessary one’
That’s what Harry Maguire said after picking up his Man of the Match honors from another substandard performance on the whole.
Man United is not anywhere near as good as the sum of its parts right now, but Erik ten Hag’s men still can still see the top four.
And the manager will have to keep those players looking in front of them, because what’s behind them has a lot of grime to it.
Man United is bottom of its Champions League group and plays third-place Copenhagen at midweek. Anything but a strong performance there could have the Premier League side in an awful position with Manchester City coming to Old Trafford next weekend.
Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot on winning for Bobby Charlton
Harry Maguire: “First and foremost it’s a really sad day. Preparing for a game is hard. Sir Bobby came into the changing room a lot and he lit up the room. He’s a legend of football and our thoughts go out to his family. We’re delighted to win the game but this is more than football.
“He always came in whether won or loss. He wouldn’t just come in after we won games. You always see him around the club. He’s been a great ambassador for the game since he retired from football. We’ll miss him. The world will miss him, an amazing player and more important an amazing person.”
“At this club you have to win every game but of course it’s been a really sad day for us, everyone involved at the club, and everyone involved in football really. A great player for our club but more importantly an amazing person. He’d come into the room win or lose and you could really see the respect and aura he brought, and the smiles he put on peoples’ faces. We’ll miss him.”
“Playing at this club is a big privilege and a huge honor, whether you’re starting or on the bench. I’ve had to make sure when my opportunity comes, I’m fit and ready.”
Diogo Dalot: “We obviously wanted to contribute a little bit more. It’s not easy to console the family of Bobby Charlton but maybe with the win we can give just a little joy.”
“This is the contribution that we could have and give today to the family. We are one family as United, and we are all united on days like this.”
Erik ten Hag on win, remembering Sir Bobby Charlton
“We are happy with the win of course. We found a way to win but first half was not the best game from the outside. We went 1-0 up and conceded quickly. When we started the second half, we took control, and made a great goal.
“The players go to their names, play different stations, different styles, and to come back and find the rhythm takes time. And Sheffield played a little different than we expected. We had to adjust and make that organization.
“Man City just won here in extra time. Against Spurs, just losing 2-1. We knew before it would be a tough game and in the end we needed a great goal.”
“Our fans are fantastic. We have to pay respect, our big goodbye and remembrance to Bobby Charlton because what he did was magnificent, not only on the pitch but off it. We did it with a win. We have to celebrate it, and remember Bobby Charlton.”
What’s next?
Man United hosts Copenhagen in a pivotal Champions League group stage match on Tuesday before a Premier League visit from Manchester derby rivals Man City on Sunday, Oct. 25
Sheffield United goes to Arsenal at 10am ET Saturday.
Sheffield United vs Manchester United final score: 1-2
Goal: McTominay (28'), McBurnie (34'), Dalot (77')
Sheffield United vs Manchester United player ratings
Man City loanee James McAtee shone against his would-be derby rivals, credited with four created chances and winning 9-of-14 duels.
For Man United, two of the stars were the same as usual: Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
But Sofyan Amrabat also flashed his potential to be a midfield hero at Old Trafford, winning all nine of his duels, going 4-for-4 on long passes and sending 11 balls into the final third.
Sheffield United vs Manchester United player ratings (fotmob.com)
Sheffield United vs Manchester United player ratings (fotmob.com)
Diogo Dalot goal video: Sensational strike puts Man Utd back on top
The game didn’t deserve this bit of beauty, but everyone who put their eyes on it should feel rewarded for their patience.
Dalot tears into a shot from distance and Wes Foderingham can’t get more than a few fingertips to the rocket.
Man Utd may well get another nervy win.
Sheffield United vs Manchester United halftime analysis: 1-1
The home crowd will be pleased with their grit and determination, as well as the break in getting a penalty that Oliver McBurnie dispatched with vigor.
It’s difficult to imagine Manchester United can find much to like from giving 56% of the ball to the Blades and holding a slim advantage in shot attempts (7-6).
It’s been a scrappy game with good fortune in both of the goals. If Manchester United is anywhere near its tipping point, they need someone to give them a good hard shove.
Oliver McBurnie penalty goal
A cross goes off the hand of Scott McTominay, and the Scot goes from happy hero to unwilling goat in no time.
Oliver McBurnie goes to the spot to face Andre Onana, who suffered a leg injury early and might not be at his most mobile.
The Blades are level, as McBurnie makes sure Onana would have to go a long way if he were to stop the pen... which he had little chance to reach.
1-1.
Scott McTominay goal video: Scottish midfield pushes Man Utd in front
It had been a dreadful, dull, intensity-free opening half-hour for Erik ten Hag’s men, but the Red Devils lead 1-0 nonetheless.
Scott McTominay chests down a loose ball and gets maybe half-power on a very tricky effort, but it’s well-directed and they all count!
He’s red hot.
How to watch Sheffield United vs Manchester United live stream link, odds, TV channel, news
Kickoff: 3pm ET Saturday
Odds: Sheffield United (+600) vs Manchester United (-225) | Draw (+375)
TV Channel/Stream: Watch online via Peacock Premium
Sheffield United lineup
Here's how the Bladesmen line up at the Lane against Manchester United! 🔴
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 21, 2023
Basham and Ahmedhodžić miss out through injury, with Robinson and McAtee coming back in.#SHUMUN || @PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/bHx7u9MJAP
Manchester United lineup
Here's how the Bladesmen line up at the Lane against Manchester United! 🔴
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 21, 2023
Basham and Ahmedhodžić miss out through injury, with Robinson and McAtee coming back in.#SHUMUN || @PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/bHx7u9MJAP
Focus on Sheffield United, injury news
OUT: John Egan (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), Daniel Jebbison (groin), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Max Lowe (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: George Baldock (calf), Ben Osborn (groin), William Osula (undisclosed)
Focus on Manchester United, injury news
OUT: Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Amad Diallo (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Raphael Varane (undisclosed), Casemiro (ankle), Sofyan Amrabat (back), Jonny Evans (foot), Luke Shaw (undisclosed), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), Sergio Reguilon (thigh), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle)