The first game back for the Premier League ended in stalemate, with Chris Wilder’s men so unlucky after being denied what looked a perfectly good goal by a problem with Hawkeye technology in an incredible twist to the tale which could have a huge effect on their season.
But how did the players fare on their return after more than three months without a game? Here’s how we rated the Blades at Villa Park...
9. John Lundstram - 6
Had a good chance to open the scoring after McBurnie seized on a poor pass, but it was snuffed out by the Villa defence Photo: Shaun Botterill
10. Billy Sharp - 6
No repeat of his Villa Park heroics last season as he was taken off with around 20 minutes remaining. Had a good running battle with the Villa centre halves Photo: CARL RECINE
11. Oli McBurnie - 6
Saw a header saved by Nyland in the second half and almost set up an opener for Lundstram after chasing down a stray pass deep in Villa territory Photo: Pool
12. David McGoldrick - 6
Came on for Sharp and linked play nicely Photo: Naomi Baker