MANCHESTER UNITED's 13-game unbeaten run is over after they went down 2-1 to basement club Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
And to make matters worse, Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe were subjected to vile racist abuse on social media.
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- Josh Graham
FER GOODNESS SAKE
Rio Ferdinand blasted 'dour' and 'lifeless' Manchester United after their shock 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United.
Rio Ferdinand slammed Manchester UnitedCredit: BT Sport On BT Sport, he said: "They didn't have that zip about them. From minute one, really, there wasn't that cut and thrust we've seen from United.
"Credit Sheffield United, Chris Wilder set them up very well, but United didn't ask the questions. Bruno Fernandes, who they've relied on so heavily in recent weeks, months, didn't get it going today. Paul Pogba the same.
"If anybody was starting to get carried away at Old Trafford, with the position that they're in, it was a reality check.
"I think recently Man Utd, in terms of reaction, have been brilliant but tonight it seemed to come crumbling down.
"[Marcus] Rashford and [Anthony] Martial were invisible, didn't get on the end of anything, didn't create anything.
"Last week Liverpool, tremendous performance. Bottom of the league Sheffield United. Dour, lifeless at times. The inconsistencies – they don't win you the league."
- sstreet
PAUL THE OTHER ONE
Paul Pogba has accused a number of Man Utd stars of 'cheating' their team-mates by not putting a shift in earlier in the season.
Speaking about the Red Devils' good form before their loss to Sheffield United, he said: "The mentality, playing more as a team.
"Playing much better altogether, pressing much better together. No one is cheating. When I mean cheating – no one is running less or not making the effort to come back."
He then added: "It's always been a problem. When you're all together it's always going to be easier.
"If someone is making less effort, it's going to be a little problem for the team. When you're all together, you all work hard, you see the result."
- Josh Graham
SEIZE THE DAYOT
Manchester United will compete with several rivals for Dayot Upamecano this summer, according to reports.
Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Liverpool have all been linked with the Frenchman following his rapid rise at RB Leipzig.
Upamecano was an integral part of the Bundesliga side's run to last year's Champions League semi-finals.
But it appears as though this season will be his last at Leipzig with a new contract agreed in 2020 containing a bargain release clause.
The centre-back will be available for £38million when the clause activates at the end of the campaign.
Therefore, clubs are expected to hold off on negotiating a deal until the summer.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, United are among the teams waiting for the right moment to pounce.
- Josh Graham
SERG IN POPULARITY
Manchester United have reportedly agreed NOT to make an 'aggressive' approach for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.
Ramos is out of contract on June 30 and there is no sign an extension will be agreed.
United are one of the teams able to stomach the Spanish legend's hefty wage demands.
But Marca reports the club will not pursue the player in an aggressive way because of a coronavirus-related pact signed at the start of the pandemic by various European giants.
The pact is designed to avoid transfer fees ballooning with clubs struggling to deal with the devastating financial implications of Covid-19.
- Josh Graham
RACISM STORM
Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe were targeted with sick racist abuse following their side's defeat to Sheffield United.
The players were attacked on their social media accounts with a number of users posting racist comments and symbols.
Manchester United released a statement on their club website condemning the racism.
It read: “Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game.
“We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.
“Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative.
"Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour."
- Josh Graham
CHEAT SHEET
Paul Pogba has put Manchester United's poor performances earlier this season down to players 'cheating' each other with a lack of 'effort'.
The Red Devils made a poor start to the campaign as they were thrashed 3-1by Crystal Palace and 6-1 by Tottenham at Old Trafford.
But a subsequent upturn in form, prior to last night's 2-1 home loss to Sheffield United, saw United rise to the top of the Premier League.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport, Pogba, 27, gave an insight into why the Red Devils made such a sluggish start – he said: "The mentality, playing more as a team.
"Playing much better altogether, pressing much better together. No one is cheating. When I mean cheating – no one is running less or not making the effort to come back."
He then added: "It's always been a problem. When you're all together it's always going to be easier.
"If someone is making less effort, it's going to be a little problem for the team. When you're all together, you all work hard, you see the result."
- Josh Graham
OLE GUNNAR SOLKING
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Harry Maguire slammed Manchester United’s flops for their defeat to Sheffield United in the biggest shock of the season.
Rock-bottom Blades claimed just their second Premier League win of the campaign – and their first at Old Trafford for 48 years – thanks to goals from Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke.
The result denied Ole’s men top spot, and the United boss fumed: “We are very disappointed. We didn’t create enough. The magic was missing.
“We didn’t have the right ideas or solutions, and the second goal we conceded was so poor and so sloppy. There were three or four decisions that were completely out of character.
"The boys have been terrific the last few months but when you don’t hit those levels you don’t get results.”
Maguire – who scored against his hometown side – added: "It wasn’t good enough and we didn’t play to a level we expect from ourselves."
- Josh Graham
GREEN SHOOTS
Mason Greenwood has 'matured' at Manchester United recently, claims boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The teenager has struggled for form at times this season, following his expulsion from the England squad back in September for smuggling girls into the team hotel in Iceland.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Mason Greenwood has maturedCredit: EPA Prior to last night's defeat, he said: "We think Mason is going to be very important in the second half of the season, but it's not just going to happen by itself.
"He scored against West Ham a while back as well and was expected to kick on. He's taken steps, he's grown, he's more mature and he's been training with Edinson Cavani for half a season.
"He's learning good habits, and whoever doesn't learn from players like him, or Bruno (Fernandes) or the players we've brought in, that's a pity.
"I'm very confident that Mason will chip in good performances and with goals and assists. We talk about the second season syndrome and if you take your eye off the ball for just a slight second, the Premier League is unforgiving.
"I have always said that 99 per cent effort is 100 per cent failure. Of course, players who ease off in training every single day a little bit – I'm not saying this is Mason, I'm saying it's the case for every single one – it's always a learning curve and a test."
- Josh Graham
AM YOUR MAN
January signing Amad Diallo is already making a big impression at Manchester United.
The Ivorian, 18, arrived earlier this month for a fee reportedly rising to £37million.
Amad Diallo is making a big impression at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty Speaking about his fellow right-winger, Mason Greenwood, 19, gushed to MUTV: "It's good to have rivalries and stuff like that to get into the team.
"They're all good players. A new player, Amad, that's come in.
"He’s a wonderful technical player so I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of him soon."
- Josh Graham
'JINXED IT'
Manchester United fans are pleading with Rio Ferdinand to 'stop jinxing' his old team's title bid.
Sheffield United inflicted a shock 2-1 defeat on the Red Devils on Wednesday night.
The result came after Ferdinand had shared a tweet showing his satisfaction at seeing United sit top of the table earlier in the week.
Many fans have noticed the ex-defender's tendency to display his joy at his former club's success… just as their form crumbles.
Ferdinand's now-infamous 'Ole's at the wheel' comment after the win over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2018-19 Champions League is often brought up, with the Norwegian still yet to win a trophy as United manager.
And the 42-year-old tweeted a photograph of himself looking pensive on Tuesday evening, with the caption: "Is that the Premier League table there?"
- Josh Graham
MEN UNITED
Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire has issued a rallying cry to his men after their shock 2-1 defat at home to basement boys Sheffield United.
- Marc Mayo
GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
Man Utd missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League table after being stunned at home by Sheffield United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost 2-1 against the Blades, as Oliver Burke scored late in the second half courtesy of a delcted strike.
Next up for United is an away trip to Arsenal on Saturday – a ground they haven't won at in the top-flight since 2017.
In other news, Paul Pogba has told Rio Ferdinand he is putting his contract situation on the backburner in his quest to win silverware.
He told BT Sport: “I’m on contract, I’m here. I’m enjoying myself. Everyone knows I have one year left. I will speak to the club and see what’s going on.
"For now my objective and goal is to win something. All I’m thinking about is winning. I’ll give it all my energy and my all to help the team the most.
“I want to win something that’s all I’m focused on, the contract is not important, it’s to win.”
Meanwhile, Facundo Pellistri is set to depart the Theatre of Dreams this week with both Club Brugge and Alaves reportedly keen to take him on loan.
The Uruguayan winger, 19, arrived from Penarol for £9million on deadline day in October but has only played for the club’s U-23 side.
Now Goal claim both the South American and his Red Devils coaches have agreed he should go out elsewhere to get more match-action to continue his development.
And finally, Manchester United and Manchester City will reportedly go head-to-head in the race to sign Palmeiras striker Gabriel Veron.
Barcelona were keen on the 18-year-old star but have pulled out as they cannot compete financially.
The Manchester teams want the transfer to go through this month but have the teenager stay in Brazil on loan until at least the summer, according to Sport.
- Jake Lambourne
FULL-TIME
Bottom of the table Sheffield United have beaten Manchester United!
That is just the Blades' second win all season, and that is a real boost to their survival hopes.
They are now just ten points off Brighton in 17th.
For United, they have missed the chance to go back to the top of the table.
The Red Devils came out fighting in the second half and deservedly equalised through Harry Maguire.
But they were not switched on at the back, and were made to punish when Oliver Burke struck.
They now face Arsenal away on Saturday -a ground they have not won at in the top-flight in 2017.
- Jake Lambourne
OLIVER TWIST
Oliver Burke has put Sheffield United back in front against Manchester United!
The winger only just replaced Billy Sharp and has made an immediate impact.
His deflected went in off the crossbar.
Can Sheffield United hold on?
- Jake Lambourne
EQUALISER
Harry Maguire has put Man Utd back on level terms!
The centre-back met Alex Telles' cross to head home into the back of the net.
Game on!
- Jake Lambourne
SILVER LINING
Paul Pogba is putting his contract situation on the backburner in his quest to win silverware at Manchester United.
When asked by Rio Ferdinand whether he was at United to stay, he told BT Sport: "I'm on contract, I'm here. I'm enjoying myself. Everyone knows I have one year left.
"I will speak to the club and see what's going on. For now my objective and goal is to win something. All I'm thinking about is winning.
"I'll give it all my energy and my all to help the team the most.
"I want to win something that's all I'm focused on, the contract is not important, it's to win."
- Jake Lambourne
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY
Back into the second half we go, and United are still pressing for an equaliser.
Mason Greenwood has already come close to getting the Red Devils back on level terms.
There has definitely been a reaction from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
- Jake Lambourne
HALF-TIME
Well, well, well, who saw that coming?
Man Utd yet again in the Premier League have conceded the first goal.
A win tonight for the Red Devils will see them leapfrog Man City back into top spot.
Big improvement is needed.
- Jake Lambourne
BLADES OF GLORY
Man Utd are behind!
Kean Bryan has put the visitors ahead to the surprise of many.
Can the Blades keep hold of their lead until half-time?
- Jake Lambourne
KICK OFF
And we're off!
Manchester United can go back to the table if they beat Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
Click HERE to follow the SunSport LIVE blog for the clash.
- Jake Lambourne
ZLAT'S OK
Paul Pogba insists Zlatan Ibrahimovic could not have racially abused Romelu Lukaku – as the Swede ‘loves me too much’.
Former Manchester United team-mates Ibrahimovic and Lukaku were involved in a heated bust-up during last night’s Coppa Italia clash between fierce rivals AC and Inter Milan and exchanged angry words.
But Red Devils ace Pogba – who played with both men at Old Trafford – has come to Ibra’s defence on social media, tweeting that there was no way the Swede could be racist because they are such good friends.
The Frenchman wrote: “Zlatan… racist? He loves me too much so he’s the last person I’d think of as racist!
“Come on, don’t joke with that one.”
- Jake Lambourne
TEAM NEWS
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood all start for Man Utd for their clash against Sheffield United.
Meanwhile Luke Shaw has been dropped for Alex Telles.
- Jake Lambourne
CAV TO BE PERFECT
Edinson Cavani’s meticulous approach to the way his meals are prepared is helping the striker remain at his lethal best.
The summer signing does not speak much English – Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes are helping with translating, The Telegraph reports.
But that does not stop the veteran forward, who turns 34 next month, dishing his points out, whether that be regarding passes or pasta.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “He has learnt the most important words.
“If there is something he wants to get across, he is never shy to relay his message and the players help.”
Commenting on Cavani’s precise demands over his pre-match meal prior to the Wolves clash last month, the United boss added: “He knows what works for him. Those habits I really like.”
- Jake Lambourne
DIM VIEW
Frank Lampard deserved more time to turn Chelsea around like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is doing to Manchester United, claims Dimitar Berbatov.
But Old Trafford legend Berbatov still tips Lampard's successor Thomas Tuchel to "hit the ground running" – as he knows Blues' owner Roman Abramovic has little patience.
He told Betfair: "There are similarities between Solskjaer and Lampard.
"Both were legends at their respective clubs and were both managing big clubs. Ole was having a tough time at United with ups and downs.
"People are asking whether he was going to be sacked and now they are challenging for the title.
"In the case of Lampard, I thought he did a great job of getting Chelsea to qualify for the Champions League."
- Jake Lambourne
NO RAM RAID
Man Utd will not ‘aggressively’ try to sign Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid due to a special ‘Covid pact’ between Europe’s elite.
The Red Devils have been rumoured to be exploring the possibility of beating their transfer rivals and making a swoop.
However, any discussions look likely to be put on hold due to an agreement that was struck last year at the start of the pandemic.
Europe's elite clubs entered into a non-aggression pact, according to Marca, over signing players from one another.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus were all involved as well as several other powerhouses.
It was a move designed to prevent skyrocketing transfer fees and ‘backhanded’ moves.
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