Roy's View From... Social Media (February)

Don't let one of the worst months in our history get you down – there's always March for that

Andrew Hague

United scored an impressive 10 goals in four games during January but ended the month out of the cup and drifting ever further from survival. February began with a home game against Aston Villa. The Blades had managed to grab a point at Villa Park in December and whilst still riding high in the league, Villa’s form had taken a nosedive: cue hope. Half an hour in, the only hope left was keeping the score down to a single figure. Villa raced into a 4-0 lead by 30 minutes as the Blades’ sorry display was given the punishment it deserved. The second half saw us ‘only’ concede one goal as Villa won the game 5-0. It was the fifth time this season that United had conceded five goals or more in a game:

In a season of numerous lows, it could be argued that the Villa hammering was THE lowest moment of the season. Another battering on our own patch in front of the manager appointed to ensure we at least went down fighting; it was the final straw for most fans and the Lane was more than half empty by half time.

A trip to Kenilworth Road was possibly the last place United fans wanted to go next. Although still very much in relegation trouble, Luton were nonetheless a symbol of what might have been. A club that had spent little but had an identity and way of playing that had seen them earn plaudits all season. Indeed, Luton were unbeaten in eight when United rocked up to “The Kenny” and few gave the away side a chance.

It’s a funny old game though….

After creating a couple of chances early doors, United deservedly went in front with a great solo goal from Cameron Archer after 30 minutes. Six minutes later a debatable handball decision allowed James McAtee to double United’s lead from the penalty spot. The Man City loanee duly obliged and the Blades went in 2-0 up at half time.

Soon after the restart however, another dubious penalty was awarded – this time for Luton – and Carlton Morris made no mistake to put the home side back in the game. Following this, United had to weather quite the storm as Luton threw everything at them until the 72nd minute when Vini Souza broke away to score his first goal in Blades colours and seal the three points. It was United’s first away win of the season and, more importantly, ensured the dreaded “Worst Premier League team ever” tag had been avoided:

It was only United’s third win of the campaign and even when manager Chris Wilder was charged for making comments about a fourth official eating a sandwich in front of him, it couldn’t dampen the mood: