The defender was culpable for the QPR goal, giving the ball away before deflecting Ilias Chair’s strike past his own goalkeeper. But he then was in the right place at the right time deep into injury time, at the same end, to see a deflected shot of his own beat Seny Dieng and send Unitedites behind that goal wild.
United had appeared on course for only a second defeat in 10 games until the death, remaining nine points clear of third-placed Blackburn Rovers in the table despite falling five behind leaders Burnley.
Here’s how we rated United’s players at Loftus Road ...
9. Tommy Doyle 5
Came back in as one of three Blades changes and looked neat and tidy, putting his foot in where needed, but couldn't establish control of midfield along with his central teammates. Made way on the hour mark for McAtee Photo: David Klein
10. Sander Berge 5
Operating further forward with Doyle and Norwood offering protection behind him, Berge was heavily involved early on as United looked to force the tempo of the game but then seemed to fade badly as the half went on. Couldn't establish the sort of control on the game demanded from a player of his quality, although he did get slightly better as the game went on Photo: David Klein
11. Iliman Ndiaye 6
Almost got the Blades back in it with a superb solo run on the break but for once his final touch deserted him and allowed Dieng to make the save. Had what looked to be a very good penalty shout turned down when he was felled in the box by Dunne on the turn Photo: David Klein
12. Billy Sharp 5
Should have walked away from Loftus Road with at least one goal. Had a great chance to make it 1-1 after linking up nicely with Ndiaye, but Dieng was equal to his left-footed shot and saved with his foot. Came even closer near the hour mark when Norwood's pass sent him free but his lob landed on the roof of the net, rather than in it. Photo: David Klein