Sheffield United find their backs against the walls as they travel to Old Trafford in a difficult week for them.
After finding their first win of the season on 12 January, a 1-0 win vs Newcastle United, they went down to Tottenham 3-1 in their last game. Their two FA Cup wins will have boosted confidence, however finding a result against the league leaders will be a tough ask. The absence of key personnel will not help. The Blades will return to Manchester at the weekend, playing City, and remain six points off 19th, and 12 off safety.
The league leaders will look to keep their good form going with City right behind them as they look to sustain a once-improbable title challenge.
TEAM NEWS
In the pre-match press conference, Chris Wilder stated there might be up to nine players unavailable for selection. John Egan is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards. Jack O’Connell continues to recuperate after his knee injury, while Sander Berge remains out after a thigh injury sustained in the reverse fixture in December. Other absentees include Jack Robinson, Ben Osborn and Oli McBurnie. Striker Lys Mousset will be assessed and has a chance to feature.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has few injury concerns. Marcus Rashford limped off in the FA Cup tie vs Liverpool, but it has not proved to be a major issue and he will be available for selection. Brandon Williams returned to training recently after being out. Phil Jones remains injured, while Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero are unavailable for selection.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The reverse fixture at Bramall Lane saw Manchester United come away with a 3-2 victory in December. David McGoldrick took advantage of a Dean Henderson to take an early lead, but the visitors came back with goals from Marcus Rashford (twice) and Anthony Martial. McGoldrick brought one back in the 87th minute but a comeback did not materialise.
Sheffield United’s last visit to Old Trafford saw them lose 3-0 courtesy of an Anthony Martial hat-trick in Project Restart. The Blades look tired as the home side controlled the game from the start, with their attack in particular flowing freely.
STATISTICS
Manchester United are unbeaten in 13 Premier League games (W10 D3), scoring 27 goals and conceding 12.
Sheffield United’s last win in Old Trafford goes all the way back to 26 December 1973. Since then, they have lost all eight games played in the ground.
Sheffield United have not won any of their last 15 away league games (D3 L12). Their last away win came almost a year ago (1-0 to Crystal Palace).
Dean Henderson conceded 33 goals in 36 league games last season, keeping 13 clean sheets (only missing the two games vs his parent club). Aaron Ramsdale has conceded 32 goals in 19 league games this season, with just one clean sheet (vs Newcastle).
ONE TO WATCH
Anthony Martial has had a lean season, with only two league goals. But he has scored four of the six goals put past the Blades in their last two head-to-head games. He needs to break out of his rut, and this could be his chance to find his goalscoring touch.
COVERAGE
The game is one of two to start at 8:15pm on Wednesday. The game is available on BT Sport.