Best of a bad bunch, well below standards and unlucky: Sheffield United player ratings from 3-0 defeat at Southampton

Here’s how we rated the Blades players on a day to forget at St Mary’s.

Aaron Ramsdale 5

Only he will know if Jagielka heading away from him in the build-up to Saints' first goal was a lack of communication or something else, but he could do little about Che Adams' finish and even less about the second as Armstrong's shot deflected off Jagielka. Twice denied Danny Ings in one-on-one situations and although the flag went up afterwards, he wasn't to know

George Baldock 5

Did well early on to snuff out a dangerous situation as Walcott looked to get on the end of a good ball from Vestergaard. Signed a new contract on the eve of the game and his passion and commitment to the Blades cause was evident, including when he berated Berge for not chasing a throughball because he thought he was offside

Chris Basham 5

Came out for the second half fired up and gave Southampton's defence plenty to think about down the Blades right. Linked up well with Baldock and Berge during a mini spell of pressure that United managed to build up but made way for Mousset as United sought a way back into the game

John Egan 5

Had a good chance to get the Blades back on terms early in the second half, but he couldn't get his header on target after rising highest to meet Fleck's corner. Earlier couldn't prevent Adams from converting from close range to give Saints the lead

Phil Jagielka 5

Another game, another different back three for the Blades as Jagielka slotted in on the left of United's three-man defence. The former England man used every ounce of his experience to be in the right place at the right time to deny Ings a tap in and was unfortunate to see Armstrong's shot deflect off him and wrongfoot Ramsdale for Saints' second. United ended the game with a back four, a formation which suits Jagielka more comfortably

Enda Stevens 5

Made his return from injury to take his place at left-back, with Max Lowe dropping out of the 18 as a result. Took a booking for the team on the halfway line to prevent Ings sprinting away on goal and set up a good chance for Berge with a trademark run and low cross into the middle. His return is one of the few positives to take from this afternoon for United

Ethan Ampadu 4

Another player to return to the starting line-up after injury, Ampadu could have been stronger in his aerial challenge with Bednarek in the lead-up to Southampton's opening goal and also gave the ball away in a dangerous area of midfield, leading to another chance for the hosts. Gives United the mobility in midfield that Wilder feels they need, but is yet to consistently hit the levels he is clearly capable of in a United shirt

Sander Berge 5

For me, the best of a bad bunch in midfield. Enjoyed United's best chance - in fact, only chance - of the opening 30 minutes or so when he got on the end of Stevens' cross, but could only divert it wide. Well below the standards we know he is capable of.

John Fleck 4

Wasn't given a minute on the ball as Southampton pressed the life out of United in the middle of the park. Made a real hash of a short corner as he mis-kicked it, leading to a Southampton break, although he did race back to snuff it out with a good challenge on Armstrong. Another player who is playing below the level he has performed at since he signed for the Blades

Billy Sharp 5

Recalled for only his second start of the season against his former club, Sharp worked tirelessly upfront but couldn't fashion a chance for himself after being devoid of service. Made way for Brewster just before the hour mark

Oli McBurnie 5

Had an early running battle with Jan Bednarek, the Saints central defender, and was forced into lengthy treatment after falling awkwardly and injuring his shoulder. Tried to play on and came out for the second half, but was clearly unable to operate properly and made way two minutes after the break

Subs

McGoldrick 5

Came on two minutes into the second half for the incapacitated McBurnie and at least looked to make something happen

Brewster 4

United's record signing was introduced at Billy Sharp's expense with about half an hour of the game to go

Mousset 4

Came on for Chris Basham for a 20-minute cameo