Bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United caused a stunning upset with a 2-1 Premier League victory over title-chasing Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side needed three points to regain top spot from rivals Manchester City but were lacklustre for large periods of the contest as the away side picked up only their second win of the season.
The Blades took a shock lead through Kean Bryan’s flicked header, which went in off the far post following John Fleck’s corner in the 24th minute.
Anthony Martial had a goal ruled out as Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Ramsdale.
Maguire, the United skipper, headed the ball past Sheffield goalkeeper, Ramsdale, in the 64th minute to level the scores at 1-1.
The visitors responded with 16 minutes remaining as Manchester United failed to clear and substitute Oliver Burke side-footed in via a deflection off Axel Tuanzebe for their first win over the home side since the opening day of the newly formed Premier League in 1992.
United had on seven occasions this season come from behind to win a league game and they looked on course to repeat the trick when Maguire headed in against his old club.
But recovering a deficit time and time again is unsustainable throughout a season and their luck finally ran out.
Speaking on the result, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United manager, said: “It wasn’t to be. The second goal we conceded is so poor, so sloppy. Easy. We stopped getting out to the ball – three or four bad decisions which is out of character.
“There will be no big inquest. There have been so many odd results this season but with the world as it is we have been the most consistent team – it hit us today.”
Reflecting on a shock win, Blades boss, Chris Wilder, said: “It’s a long time to wait for a win at Old Trafford and it’s a special result, and a special performance,” said
“I’m not saying an incredible escape is on but I want to show what we are about.”
Wilder’s side remain bottom, 10 points off safety, while Manchester United remain second.
Elsewhere, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea reign got off to a frustrating start as his team drew 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers in a drab stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel, who was appointed Chelsea boss on Tuesday following the sacking of Frank Lampard, took his place in the dugout after conducting one training session with his new team.
But the German was given an indication of the huge challenge facing him as Chelsea struggled to carve out chances against a Wolves side short of confidence and without a top-flight win since 15 December.
Rui Patricio produced good saves to keep out Antonio Rudiger’s header and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s deflected attempt, while Chelsea’s 433 successful passes were the most by a Tuchel team in the first half of a top-flight game since May 2016.
Ben Chilwell sent a rare chance over the bar but Wolves, who hit the bar through Pedro Neto and gave a debut to striker Willian Jose, were good value for their point.
Chelsea move up to eighth place on the log, while Wolves are now in 13th position.
