Sheffield United tumbled out of the Carabao Cup this evening after a below-par showing at League Two side Fleetwood Town. The only goal of the game was a bizarre one as Rhys Norrington-Davies headed into his own net in the second half.
But United were perhaps fortunate not to go further behind when Town hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds and saw Danny Andrew’s goal disallowed for offside.
United also had the ball in the net in the second half but Tom Cannon’s effort was also ruled out for the same reason, with the striker denied brilliantly late on by Rhys Bennett’s superb block.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on a disappointing evening on the coast ...
1. Michael Cooper 5
The busier of the two 'keepers in the first half and made the best save of the game of the second when he kept out Evans' superbly-struck effort with a smart save down to his right as the ball swirled through the cold Fleetwood air. Only beaten by a bizarre own goal but his goal lived a charmed life at times, including when the home side hit the woodwork twice in the matter of seconds and when Andrew scored but the celebrations were cut short by the offside flag | ugc
2. Matt Doherty 4
Got a chance to stake a claim for the right-back spot as Choudhury had a rest and to be fair didn't do a lot wrong on a night when not a lot went right for the Blades. But he looked mightily frustrated when he made way for Shackleton just before the 70-minute mark | ugc
3. Japhet Tanganga 4
Not the worst individual performance but as skipper and key man at the back he has to take his share of responsibility for United being beaten by a side from two divisions below, and by what could have been a bigger margin as they hit the post twice and saw a goal ruled out for offside | ugc
4. Mark McGuinness 4
Had to be alert early on as Fleetwood peppered the United box with crosses and was clattered by Evans in one challenge who was booked. But United's backline struggled for control for most of this game and McGuinness didn't help the growing frustration in the away end when he agriculturally headed out of play when a softer approach was needed | ugc