Manchester United hosted Sheffield United in midweek for the 29th round of play-offs, and the Reds came back from behind 4-2 to secure the three points. However, this victory is also a drop in the bucket for Manchester United, and even if they beat their opponents, there is little hope of fighting for the top four.
In this game, Manchester United almost caused another upset, and it was Onana who was embarrassed. At the beginning of the season, Onana often made mistakes that surprised the fans. In the past two months, his performance has begun to be steady, and he has finally changed a little impression in the minds of fans, and the result is that the game has been revealed again.
In the first half, it was Onana's misplaced pass that ultimately set up the opponent's goal to cause United to fall 1-0. Fortunately, at the crucial moment, Maguire scored with a header to equalize for Manchester United.
In the second half, United conceded an early goal again, and this time it was Bruno Fernandes who saved the game by scoring the crucial penalty to equalise again. Fernandes then scored a world-class long-range strike to put United ahead of the scoreline, and then assisted Hojlund to open the scoring, scoring three goals of his own, the best of the game.
This victory is believed to temporarily ease the pressure on Ten Hag. In the FA Cup semi-finals, Manchester United eliminated Coventry, but the process was very desperate. If they drop points against Sheffield United in this game, the Manchester United hierarchy may have to raise a butcher's knife against Ten Hag.
However, although United have won the three points, their help in the race for the fourth place has been extremely limited. So far, Manchester United have one game less, but 13 points behind fourth-place Villa, and as long as Villa win one more game, Manchester United will completely miss out on Champions League qualification.
United have been in poor form overall this season, but Ten Hag has repeatedly 'reversed' his opponents after the game, and his skin is thicker than the turf of Old Trafford. However, even if Ten Hag can quibble, I am afraid it is useless, and the situation in the standings is more convincing than any excuse. Unless Villa can't get two points in four games, Ten Hag's "hard work" in the post-match press conference will only add to the joke.
However, although there is a high probability of missing out on the Champions League, Ten Hag is not without a chance to save himself. The Reds still have a chance to compete for the FA Cup title and if Ten Hag can beat Manchester City with his side, the Reds hierarchy may reinstate him. Once the four major are empty this season, the new owner of Manchester United may not be so easy to talk to!