Team formations and players (I can't post images)
Do you notice something around both teams' midfields?
Do you expect Fred and Pereira (let's count them together, Fred - 1, Pereira - 2) to be able to cope with Fleck, Norwood and Lundstram (again, Fleck -1, Norwood - 2, Lundstram - 3)?
And before you say it, we didn't have any other HEALTHY midfielders to come in that squad.
And before you say the other thing, no, Garner would have been bullied off the park in that game.
And before you say the other, other thing, we tried to buy a midfielder in the summer but Newcastle didn't want to sell. And no, we didn't want to buy any other midfielder (as far as we know) because we don't want just any midfielder.
Did you watch the game? Sheffield United are a VERY physical team with very aggressive style. If they play in the same manner at Old Trafford, the ref would give them several yellow cards before half time. Of course, playing at Bramall Lane is a completely different story because the crowd pressures refs to allow a more physical game.