Sheffield United, the bottom team in the Premier League, was defeated 4-2 by Manchester United on Wednesday at Old Trafford after coming back from a goal down twice.

Against the Blades, Erik ten Hag’s team used a very different strategy, opting to hold onto the ball rather than use their typical high-transition system.

It’s unclear if Jason Wilcox’s orders made this necessary or if this style would endure, although there were some encouraging indications.

United was far superior at holding onto the ball; at the end of the game, they passed the ball 722 times and had a 72% ball possession rate.

Bruno Fernandes controlled the game, finishing with two goals and one assist. He scored the second equalizer for the hosts from the penalty spot before letting loose a thunderbolt with his left foot to give the Red Devils the lead.

With 15 goals and 11 assists so far this season, Fernandes leads the team and surpasses the stats of highly regarded players like Martin Odegaard and Kevin de Bruyne. Even though the team’s season wasn’t great, he never fails to deliver!

The Portuguese had the most touches of any of his teammates with 108 touches, completing 64 passes, 31 of which came in the latter third.

He again led the squad in matriculation with nine crucial passes. This season, no player has scored more in a single game (data courtesy of Sofascore). Additionally, the site gave him a perfect 10 for the night’s display.

In addition, he produced two excellent opportunities, and with some excellent goalkeeping from Wes Foderingham and some careless finishing from Alejandro Garnacho, he should have had many more assists.

In addition, the team captain made the most long balls of any United player with eight, five crosses, and one blocked shot.

Never one to back down from a defensive assignment, Fernandes’ skills were on full show at Old Trafford, as the 29-year-old made two tackles and one clearing.

With this new method, which worked for him as he moved all over the pitch to try to find space and get on the ball, the Portugal international did not always have to hit long and hope for the best.

The former Sporting Lisbon player was able to have one of his greatest outings for the team this season because the Blades were content to sit deep.

The 20-time English league winners should continue in the same way and take all three points to relieve pressure on their manager when they play 19th-place Burnley at the Theatre of Dreams next.