Two referee calls that allowed Manchester United to overcome Sheffield United 4-2 left Chris Wilder “really disappointed.”
On Wednesday night at Old Trafford, Jayden Bogle gave the Blades a startling advantage by taking advantage of a disastrous mistake made by Andre Onana.
But Harry Maguire’s goal shortly before halftime from a set-piece situation would cut short their lead. Wilder wondered why a free-kick had been awarded in the first place.
Mason Holgate tripped Alejandro Garnacho just outside the box, and referee Michael Salisbury awarded a free-kick. The defender was also booked for the incident.
“I must admit, I’m extremely dissatisfied with a few of the choices as well,” Sheffield United manager Wilder stated to BBC Match of the Day.
“I don’t know what my center-half is supposed to do with the free kick; is he just supposed to walk out of the way?” He’s got him beat up, but he can’t just vanish.
Nevertheless, we haven’t really done a good enough job of defending that circumstance.
Ben Brereton Diaz gave Sheffield United another lead in the second half, but Bruno Fernandes’ penalty kick, awarded after Auston Trusty hauled down Maguire in the box, gave the Red Devils a second equaliser.
It’s interesting to note that the home team was initially displeased with the ruling as well since Salisbury immediately blew for the spot-kick, seconds before Diogo Dalot flicked the ball into the net.
“I believe he blew the penalty early.” If I’m being truly honest, I believe it’s a fairly light penalty,’ said Wilder.
In the box, there is always contact. It’s quite delicate.
You may say they scored now. However, that is unrelated to us. He immediately called for a penalty.
Erik ten Hag’s team overcame late goals from Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, and the outcome has given them a strong chance to qualify for Europe.
With four games remaining, the Blades remain in the basement spot in the Premier League and are 10 points from safety. Relegation is expected to be confirmed this weekend.
Furthermore, Wilder’s team has already let up 93 goals this season, shattering the previous record held by the infamous Derby County team of 2007–08 (89 goals) for the most goals allowed in a 38-game Premier League season.
With four games remaining, Sheffield United could potentially surpass Swindon Town’s 42-game 1993–94 season record of 100 allowed goals.
