Sheffield United’s life in the Premier League for the 2023-24 season is dwindling game by game. Mathematically, they are still in the hunt, but in reality, relegation is a matter of when rather than if. However, IF they are to achieve one of the greatest Great Escapes in football history then they must emulate the shock 2-1 victory they accomplished in January 2021 in their last visit to Old Trafford when they face Manchester United tonight.
The Blades would end the 2020-21 season in relegation but a victory at one of the elite clubs was one of a few highlights of the season. Chris Wilder’s Blades sit bottom of the table (at the time of writing) and are ten points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. After away trips to the Red Devils and at Newcastle United on Saturday – United host Forest on 4th May. We hope that the S2 club will be in a better position in their attempt to stave away from relegation.
However, they have to play better football than the poor display they churned out in the 4-1 defeat at home to Burnley last weekend. They have to fight for survival. There are more than three points at stake in the remaining games!
If Sheffield United are to achieve the impossible then they must face the battle with a depleted squad. Their only saving grace will be the formidable duo of Oli McBurnie and Ben Brereton-Diaz leading the cavalry charge. Wilder will be without nine players who are sidelined through injury with the largest wounded coming from defence. Chris Basham, John Egan, Max Lowe, and Jack Robinson are all sidelined with an ankle injury, whilst Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), and George Baldock (calf), are absent from defensive duties. Midfielder, Tom Davies (thigh), as well as forwards Daniel Jebbison (illness), and Rhian Brewster (thigh), will be unavailable for their trip across the Pennines.