Fernandes spares blushes

Bruno Fernandes eased the pressure on under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, as his double inspired a nervous 4-2 win over Sheffield United.

Ten Hag's side twice trailed to the Premier League's bottom club at Old Trafford on Wednesday, before Fernandes came to his beleaguered manager's aid in the second half.

Jayden Bogle put the Blades ahead and, although Harry Maguire equalized before halftime, Ben Brereton Diaz restored the visitors' advantage soon after the interval.

Fernandes bailed out Ten Hag with a penalty equalizer, before the Portugal midfielder's long-range rocket put United in front with nine minutes left.

Rasmus Hojlund got United's fourth to ensure it could finally enjoy a first league win in five games since beating Everton on March 9.

"I think we played quite well, also we created many more chances. There are many positives, but also negatives. Conceding two goals from giveaways. It's unacceptable," Ten Hag said.

"I'm happy with the win overall. Have you seen some panic? No, not at all. We were very composed. We have to learn from this."

It was a temporary reprieve for Ten Hag, who hopes to salvage sixth-placed United's dismal season by winning the FA Cup and finishing high enough to qualify for the Europa League.

"We are striving to progress the team. The number of goals we are scoring at the moment is huge progress. If we have our back four back together, then I'm sure we will be more consistent," Ten Hag said.

The Blades are 10 points from safety with only four games left, as they sink towards relegation just a year after being promoted from the Championship.

Agencies