After Sheffield United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Bramall Lane on Saturday night, defender Harry Maguire said the team’s formation surprised Manchester United. Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot goals either side of an Oli McBurnie penalty sealed a hard-fought win for the Reds, who honored club legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday morning, prior to kickoff. Dalot scored the game’s second goal in the 77th minute with a fantastic bend.
And it was the Blades’ change in shape, with them having been renowned for playing a back-three over the last few years, that maguire thought was behind United’s slow start to the contest. However, he felt they got to grips with it once McBurnie had brought the home side level just past the half-hour mark.
Maguire, a former Blades defender, told Sky Sports: “I knew coming here, as I reiterated to the lads before the game, that it was going to be tough, especially in the first 20 minutes. I thought they were the better team in the first 20 minutes.
“They caught us by surprise with the way that they were playing and the formation they were playing. But I felt like we adapted to it after they got the equaliser, and I think in the second half we were in real control of the game.
“We had a lot of chances and obviously hit the woodwork a couple of times. Listen, I know we can play better than we have done tonight, for sure.
“It wasn’t the perfect performance, but it is an important win. You have seen big teams come here, and big teams have played Sheffield United this season, and they have all been tight games, apart from the Newcastle one.
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