Manchester United looked down and out against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League. The first half performance was one of the worst in recent memory both defensively and in attack. That’s saying something for a club which has fallen down the pecking order dramatically in both English and European football over the past few years.
Following the disappointing first 45 minutes, Manchester United conceded a second goal just 7 minutes into the second half. It was no more than Sheffield United deserved and they could have extended their lead before Manchester United got a goal back through a lovely strike from 19-year-old left-back Brandon Williams in the 72nd minute.
Manchester United pushed forward following this goal and it didn't take long for the equaliser to come and it was 18-year-old substitute Mason Greenwood who levelled the score. Just 2 minutes later and this time it was 22-year-old Marcus Rashford who got on the score sheet for Manchester United to give them the lead.
The Red Devils did not deserve to be in front given their overall performance in the match and Sheffield United scored a deserved equaliser late in the game. There is no doubt that a win would have papered over the cracks of what was a very disappointing display by Manchester United against a team who won promotion from the championship last season.
Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his young players “learned a valuable lesson”. “This team don't give in, such a difference from last year,” he said, before continuing, “It shows the quality that we can score three in a game when we don't perform.”
The age of the goal scorers was not lost on the Norwegian, “They've come through the academy most of these boys and in the academy you don't play in these kind of games, despite trying to teach them to play without fear, and they will have learned a lot in this 90-odd minutes.”
The involvement in the match against Sheffield United is vital to the progress of the young players at the club. If youngsters are not given time to play in the Premier League, they are never going to gain the experience required to play at the highest level. Solskjaer seems keen to promote players from the youth team whenever possible but will that be enough for the Norwegian to keep his job at Old Trafford?
No manager has the luxury of time in modern football. Some key players have been missing for Manchester United in recent weeks including Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw, who all would have started against Sheffield United if fit. However, injuries to players will not be accepted as an excuse.
Neither will promoting youth players be accepted as a way to buy more time if results are not good enough. With highly experienced managers including Mauricio Pochettino and Max Allegri currently without a job, the pressure is on for Solskjaer to begin delivering positive results and performances. Giving youth its chance will not be enough if Manchester United do not start winning games on a regular basis in the Premier League.