All you need to know about Man Utd's Premier League clash with Sheffield United

Sheffield United finished their last Premier League game at the bottom of the table, after being beaten for the 16th time in 19 outings.
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By contrast, their namesakes from Manchester reclaimed top spot following a victory over Fulham. It preserved their 17 match unbeaten run away from Old Trafford - where Chris Wilder’s side visit tonight.

The Star’s James Shield identifies some of the major figures set to be involved in the fixture, and the statistical trends surrounding it, as these two clubs prepare to meet for the 97th.

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The Teams: Manchester United – De Gea, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Bailly, Fernandes, Fred, Martial, Rashford, Pogba, Cavani. Sheffield United - Ramsdale, Basham, Jagielka, Ampadu, Bogle, Stevens, Norwood, Fleck, Lundstram, McGoldrick, Burke.

Sheffield United's English manager Chris Wilder (L) and Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2R) react during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane earlier this season: LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSheffield United's English manager Chris Wilder (L) and Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2R) react during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane earlier this season: LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Sheffield United's English manager Chris Wilder (L) and Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2R) react during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane earlier this season: LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The Referee: Peter Bankes, who averages 3.13 cautions per game this season, will take charge of the match while David Coote is the VAR official. Bankes sent-off John Lundstram when Sheffield United drew 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion in December.

The Form Guide: Despite winning three of their last four matches, only one of those wins Sheffield United have recorded came in the Premier League. They have not won away from home in the competition since February. Manchester United have lost only three of their last 16 matches, with all of those defeats coming in knockout competition. Arsenal were the last team to beat them in a PL fixture, triumphing 0-1 at Old Trafford nearly three months ago.

The Head to Head: Sheffield United have not won any of their last 10 meetings with Mancheser United, since beating them 2-1 at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup 28 years ago. The only draw during that run came inside the same ground last season. Sheffield United’s last win at Old Trafford came in 1973, when goals from Tony Currie and Alan Woodward propelled them to a 2-1 victory.

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The Last Time: Anthony Martial scored a hat-trick when Manchester United beat Sheffield United 3-0 in the corresponding fixture last season.

The Details: Manchester United versus Sheffield United, kick-off 8.15pm. Pre, post and in-game coverage is available via The Star’s online and print platforms.

SPECIAL OFFER: By subscribing to The Star’s sports-only digital package you help us to continue providing the best coverage of Sheffield United. Until February 1 there’s 20% off a year’s subscription, taking you through what is expected to be a busy transfer window. All the details are HERE, just use the promo code TRANSFER20.