MANCHESTER UNITED made heavy weather of defeating a Championship side in Sunday's epic FA Cup semi-final and now need to see off a team heading for the second tier as they host Sheffield United in the Premier League.
No manager has ever emerged with less credit from a cup semi-final triumph than Erik ten Hag after his troops threw away a 3-0 lead against Coventry City at Wembley then needed VAR and penalties to save them from an embarrassing defeat.
The Dutchman now stands just 90 minutes away from a second trophy in two seasons but the bookies won't give his side a prayer against Manchester City in a repeat of last year's FA Cup final.
The odds on Ten Hag still being in charge next season will also be pretty big after a desperately disappointing Premier League campaign that has left them 24 points off the title pace in seventh place.
European football is far from guaranteed but it would still be a major surprise if Manchester United slipped up once more against a Blades side who have been cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
Bringing back Chris Wilder as boss hasn't really paid off for Sheffield United and they are 10 points adrift of safety after losing 4-1 at home to second-bottom Burnley on Saturday.
Having collected just three points from their last nine Premier League games, the players and fans already seem resigned to relegation but Wilder might still fancy his chances at Old Trafford after watching Manchester United's collapse against Coventry.
How the bookies view it: No Wembley hangover
Anyone who watched the last 30 minutes of the second half at Wembley would think twice about betting on Manchester United even if they were playing an under-nines team. But the bookies still make them heavy favourites against the rock-bottom Blades and their best price is just 3/10 at Coral.
Sheffield United are rank outsiders at 9/1 with 888Sport and even the draw is a big price at 11/2 with Bet365.
Recent head to head: It's 31 years of hurt for the Blades
Manchester United edged a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane earlier in the season and that made it 12 games unbeaten in this fixture, with 11 of those matches ending in victories. Sheffield United last beat the Red Devils in an FA Cup tie way back in 1993 and their last Old Trafford triumph came in 1973.
Players to watch: McBurnie out to rough up Casemiro
Bruno Fernandes netted in Sunday's semi-final and is the only Manchester United player to have consistently delivered goals throughout the season. The midfieder is 13/8 with Bet365 for a goal and 6/4 at Paddy Power for an assist.
Ten Hag had to play Casemiro as an emergency centre back and Wilder will look to target the Brazilian's lack of height if he plays in defence again. Target man Ollie McBurnie could get plenty of joy and is 23/10 at Paddy Power to either score or assist. The Scotland striker is also 27/25 at Unibet just to have an effort on target.
Predicted line-ups
Manchester United have a horrendous injury list at the moment and it was added to at Wembley with Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford both limping off. Harry Maguire is also doubtful for the visit of the Blades so they are down to the bare bones in defence. Sheffield United remain without John Egan and Chris Basham.
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Casimero, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka; Eriksen, Fernandes, Mainoo; Diallo, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Sheffield United: Grbic, Trusty, Ahmedhodzic, Bogle, Osborne; Hamer, Souza, Arblaster; Norwood, McAtee, McBurnie.
Anything else catch the eye? Blades can cut through makeshift defence
With Manchester United missing so many players in defence we should see goals at both ends in this one. BTTS is just 4/6 with Unibet but combining that with over 2,5 goals boosts the odds to 20/23 at Coral.
I'd imagine Wilder will go quite direct to test out ten Hag's makeshift defence. McBurnie should have lots of aerial duels and looks worth a punt to commit over 1.5 fouls at 9/5 with Paddy Power. A fouls bet landed for Slips Tips at Wembley and I'm hoping there's a repeat for me here.
This fixture can often be fiery so it could pay to back a busy night for the ref. Over 2.5 Gunners cards pays 11/10 at Unibet while the same firm price Chelsea's Conor Gallagher at 29/20 to go in the book.
Manchester United haven't won over six corners in a game in their last nine outings so the evens on offer at Paddy Power for under 7.5 home corners could be worth a punt.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Sheffield United will be played on Apr 24, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Sheffield United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
