Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham fully justified the decision to recall him to the Sheffield United side with a stand-out display in defeat at Manchester United this evening. The stopper was recalled in place of Ivo Grbic and pulled off a number of fine saves as his side twice took the lead, before eventually losing 4-2.
Jayden Bogle and then Ben Brereton Diaz had given the Blades the lead, either side of Harry Maguire’s equaliser, before two goals from Bruno Fernandes - one from the penalty spot - and a tap-in for Rasmus Hojlund sealed victory for the hosts, who were looking more than a little nervy when twice trailing the league’s bottom club. Here’s how we rated United’s players in a brave defeat...
5. Auston Trusty 5
Given another chance on the left of defence despite a difficult afternoon against Burnley and some excellent defending saw him get back and snuff out a huge chance for Dalot after he had got the wrong side of Holgate and bore down on Foderingham's goal. United were 2-1 up at that stage and it felt like a huge moment, but their lead didn't last much longer as he gave away a penalty for dragging down Maguire and Fernandes converted for 2-2. It seemed harsh at the time
6. Ben Osborn 7
Will have been more comfortable at left wing-back rather than as a straight left-back as he was at the weekend and stuck to his task diligently against the unpredictable Antony, forcing him to drop deep and pick up the ball to try and make something happen. Was a threat going the other way as well, with his low cross picking out Brereton Diaz for the Blades' second goal
Photo: Alex Livesey
7. Oliver Arblaster 7
The stuff of dreams for the academy product as he led United out wearing the captain's armband at Old Trafford at just 20 years of age. May have been guilty of a bit of overenthusiasm as he fouled fellow prodigy Mainoo to earn a talking-to from the referee but otherwise he looked as composed as ever, always willing to risk an extra touch even under pressure from seasoned professionals and internationals in the middle of the park Photo: Michael Steele
8. Andre Brooks 5
Recalled to the side on the left of midfield and had a few decent moments on the ball but much of United's play was a bit frenetic as they kept their shape and tried to deny the hosts space as they dominated possession. He didn't reappear after the break, replaced by Souza
Photo: Andrew Yates