Premier League: Bruno Fernandes brace seals victory over Sheffield United 

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes saved his team’s bacon on Wednesday night, scoring twice in a 4-2 home victory over Sheffield United. Both Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz scored goals for the visiting team as United fell behind twice, but Fernandes saved the game from more damage.

In the 61st minute, he equalised from the penalty spot following a foul on Harry Maguire, who had previously scored United’s first equaliser. After that, Fernandes fired home a powerful left-footed shot to put his team ahead, and he then set up Rasmus Hojlund to ultimately bring their struggling opponents to heel.

While the win lifted United into sixth position to maintain them in the running for a European qualification spot, it was yet another unconvincing performance from Ten Hag’s team. Sheffield United’s time is almost up; they have just 16 points from 34 games and could be demoted this next weekend.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his side are making “huge progress” this season. Despite United’s early dominance, the Blades took the lead in the first-half after a sloppy pass out from the back from goalkeeper Andre Onana, though Harry Maguire soon equalised with a fine glancing header.

They have scored 14 goals in April alone, although are without a clean sheet since a 2-0 victory over Everton in early March. Ten Hag believes the return of his injured defenders will help steady the ship as he bids to prove to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new INEOS part-ownership that he is indeed the right man for the job.

“We are striving to progress the team,” he said.“The number of goals we are scoring in this moment is a huge progress. If we have our back four back, then I’m sure we will be more consistent.”