Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expressed his deep disappointment with two refereeing decisions that contributed to Manchester United’s 4-2 comeback victory over Sheffield United.
The Blades stunned Old Trafford when Jayden Bogle capitalized on a mistake by Andre Onana to take an early lead on Wednesday night.
However, their advantage was short-lived, as Harry Maguire equalized with a header just before half-time from a set-piece situation.
Wilder questioned the decision-making process behind awarding the free-kick that led to Maguire’s goal,
particularly perplexed by the foul called on Mason Holgate for a challenge on Alejandro Garnacho just outside the box, which resulted in a booking for the defender.
Sheffield Utd boss Wilder told BBC Match of the Day.
‘I’ve got to say, I’m really disappointed with a couple of the decisions as well,’
‘I think the free-kick, I don’t know what my centre-half is supposed to do, just walk out the way? He’s nutmegged him, but he can’t disappear.
‘That said, we’ve not really defended that situation as well as we should have done.’
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Sheffield Utd retook the lead in the second-half through Ben Brereton Diaz, before the Red Devils equalised again thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty which was given after Maguire was brought down in the box by Auston Trusty.
Interestingly, the home side were also annoyed at the decision initially as Salisbury blew straight away for the spot-kick, just a second before the ball was flicked into the back of the net by Diogo Dalot.
‘I think he’s blown early on the penalty. I think it’s a really soft penalty if I’m honest about it,’ Wilder continues.
‘There is always contact in the box. It’s a really soft one.
‘Now, you might say they scored. But that’s got nothing to do with us. He gave a penalty straight away.’
Late goals from Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund got Erik ten Hag’s side over the line and the result has put them in good stead to qualify for Euro.
Meanwhile, the Blades stay bottom of the Premier League and 10 points from safety with just four games to go, meaning relegation will likely be confirmed this weekend.
Moreover, Wilder’s side have now shipped 93 goals this season, breaking the record for the most goals conceded in a 38-game Premier League campaign which was previously held by the infamous Derby County side of 2007/08 (89 goals).
Swindon Town still holds the overall record for conceding 100 goals in the 42-game 1993/94 season.
However, with four games remaining, Sheffield United could potentially surpass that tally as well.
