IT’S on. As mad as it sounds given how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lurches from crisis to crisis, Manchester United are officially in the title race.
Title contenders with obvious flaws, yes, but title contenders nonetheless.
Marcus Rashford scored twice as Man Utd beat Sheffield United 3-2Credit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
Dean Henderson made a huge early error to hand his former side the leadCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
Nobody was shocked to see them do it the hard way at Bramall Lane.
In fact, the only shock would be finding a Manchester United fan who had not lumped on them coming from behind to win at a generous 8/1.
Despite conceding first in every game on the road, their 100 per cent record remains intact.
Dean Henderson was in for David de Gea but blew his chance five minutes in, gifting David McGoldrick the opener.
But when you need a hero, on or off the pitch, you tend to call for Marcus Rashford these days.
The England ace bagged a brace, one either side of the break, with even Anthony Martial coming to the party with his first of the season.
McGoldrick made it 3-2 three minutes from time and it really was squeaky bum time.
Henderson redeemed himself with a stunning stop to deny sub Lys Mousset, and they just about held on.
Rashford’s brace helped United turn the scoreline around and winCredit: AFP
Anthony Martial also netted as United survived a late scare at Bramall LaneCredit: EPA
The Red Devils leapfrog from ninth to sixth and, as bad as they can be, they are right in the mix.
Somehow, someway, given how Solskjaer is seemingly only ever one defeat from losing his job, they sit just five points behind Liverpool with a game in hand.
Win that and they move ahead of Tottenham into second.
From there, in this mad cap season, they will fancy their chances.
The big team news was Solskjaer’s decision to drop David De Gea and hand former Blades hero Henderson a second league start.
Wilder was desperate to keep him after two stellar loan spells.
But the youngster had loftier ambitions, namely to usurp De Gea on way to becoming England’s No 1 at next summer’s Euros.
Five minutes in though and Solskjaer must have been wondering if it was too early to take him off after a howler gave the hosts the lead.
David McGoldrick also scored twice in a thrilling gameCredit: AFP
McGoldrick took full advantage of Henderson’s early blunderCredit: Getty – Pool
Trying to play out from the back, Henderson received it back from Harry Maguire but took an age to do anything.
Oli Burke sensed the dithering and pounced, sliding in to close down the desperate clearance.
And as Henerson flapped on the floor, Burke poked it into the path of McGoldrick to tap home.
While he must have wanted his old Bramall Lane turf to gobble him up, Solskjaer slumped further into his seat.
Whatever he says to gee them up before games just is not working, going behind for the sixth time in their last eight.
And it could, and should have been a lot worse when John Fleck squandered a golden chance.
Against a side who had conjured just three goals from open play, the defending was an insult to school boys.
Defender Chris Basham – into midfield after Sander Berge hobbled off – strode down the right and played Burke in behind.
Rashford scored two brilliant finishes to put United in controlCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
Martial also found the back of the net as United continued their title chargeCredit: PA:Press Association
The Scot squared it to an unmarked Fleck at the top of the box, who had all the time he wanted to pick his side before firing inches wide of the despairing Henderson.
Horrendous start? Check. Everyone knows what happens next and, true to form, Man United turned on the gas and were ahead on 33 minutes after two goals in eight minutes.
Rashford was first, rifling home after latching onto Victor Lindelof’s cute ball over the top.
All 38 years of Phil Jagielka replaced Berge and the veteran was well off the boil, playing Rashford on to allow him to nip in.
Not having to break his stride after an exquisite first touch, Jagielka was too slow to get back, allowing the England ace to rifle through Aaron Ramsdale from 16 yards.
Next up was Martial, ending a goal drought in the league stretching nine games.
Paul Pogba played the architect with a defence-splitting ball over the top down the right.
Martial just got there before the onrushing Ramsdale but completely missed it.
Chris Wilder couldn’t contain his emotions as the Blades nearly made it 3-3 late onCredit: AFP
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have been hoping for an easier ride against the relegation candidatesCredit: Getty – Pool
Ramsdale had committed to the save though, and watched on helplessly as it fell into the Frenchman’s path to poke home.
And it was game over after 51 minutes when Rashford finished off an electric counter, started by Pogba.
On the edge of his box, the midfielder resembled compatriot Zinedine Zidane with a stunning spin to get them going.
Pogba played on to Bruno Fernandes, whose deft touch had Greenwood motoring.
The youngster was hacked down but ref Michael Oliver played advantage, allowing Rashord to pick it up.
Rashford to Fernandes, to Martial and back to Rashford, who side footed home from the edge of the box – though it was straight at Ramsdale and somehow snuck underneath him.
Ramsdale was brought in by Blades boss to replace Henderson but has had a shocking start at Bramall Lane.
Relegated with Bournemouth last year, a second in two years for the 22-year-old looks an increasing certainty.
McGoldrick pegged one back with a header three minutes from time.
And they almost clinched it at the death Mousset, whose thumling effort was denied by an outstretched Henderson.
But Solskjaer’s side just about held on and, with the points in the bag, will be eyeing up the Merseyside juggernaut.
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Man Utd boss Solskjaer thanks Sheffield United for developing Dean Henderson into top talent
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
