Diogo Dalot curled home a suitably spectacular winner as Manchester United secured the win they craved over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane to mark the passing of legendary former player Sir Bobby Charlton.
Having said before the game United ‘have to win for Sir Bobby’ following the announcement of Charlton’s passing four hours before kick-off, it was appropriate in-form midfielder Scott McTominay should put the visitors ahead with a well-taken effort just before the half hour.
Sheffield United keeper Wes Foderingham got his hand to Dalot’s well-struck 25-yard effort but was unable to keep it out as it rippled into the roof of the net.
It was harsh luck on the home side, who were the better for long periods, particularly in the first half.
But they lack the touch of class needed to go with their eye-catching approach play and, with one point from nine games, remain bottom of the Premier League and in massive trouble with less than a quarter of the campaign gone.
For Erik ten Hag’s side, it was a game they had to win if they are not to lose touch completely with their top four rivals although, on a day like today, paying a fitting tribute to Charlton’s memory provided their main motivation.
Man Utd struggles continue despite win
Charlton is one of the most significant figures in the storied history of Manchester United that the current crop of players are finding it difficult to live up to.
Even in victory, at times they looked disjointed.
Their struggles were encapsulated in stoppage time when Antony Martial was presented with a three-on-one situation as he bore down on the home goal.
Martial elected to go left to fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho rather than right to Bruno Fernandes. Garnacho put the chance wide, but it transpired he had run offside anyway.
