Flying youngsters and a heart-in-mouth moment: Sheffield United's ups and downs from the cup defeat to Burnley

Handing five players their competitive debut in Blades colours, Chris Wilder stressed afterwards that his side are in a good place despite following up Monday night's Premier League defeat at home to Wolves with a shoot-out defeat, after drawing 1-1 with the Clarets after 90 minutes.

But who particularly caught the eye against the Clarets, and who had more of an evening to forget?

Max Lowe

Let's start with the main plus point for the Blades - Lowe, their young left-back signed from Derby County. It's still early days, it must be said, but on this showing Enda Stevens has some real competition down the left flank.

Lowe announced himself early on in the game with a superb cross for United's opening goal, and could have registered another assist when Oli McBurnie's shot was deflected wide from his centre. Like Jayden Bogle on the right, Lowe was quick and direct, showing his ability going both ways.

Again it's early days, but the signs are that the Blades have picked up a bargain with these lads.

Didzy off the mark

He had to wait until March for his first club goal last season, so it will have been to the great relief of both player and manager that David McGoldrick broke his duck on his first start of the campaign at Turf Moor. The goal ultimately counted for nothing but will be a great confidence boost for the striker, who has showed in the past that he is capable of going on scoring 'runs'. No-one at Bramall Lane will complain if this turns out to be the first of many in 2020/21!

Didn't he 'Du well?

Ethan Ampadu was another young Blade making his first start for the Blades, and he also impressed against tough opposition playing a new position as the right side centre-half in United's back three. He looked comfortable and tidy on the ball, but also not afraid to put his foot in when needed - as shown by the booking he picked up for fouling Matej Vydra in front of the Burnley dug-out.

Penalty pain

McBurnie certainly proved a handful after coming off the bench and had two decent chances to score, forcing a smart save from Nick Pope with the second. He also fluffed his lines from the spot in the shoot-out, so clearly didn't have the best night of his pro' career. But knowing the character he is, McBurnie won't hide and will back himself to come back stronger. You always worry more, so the saying goes, when your striker isn't in a position to miss chances - but a first goal of the season on Monday night at Villa would be more than welcome.

Nervy moments

Debut 'keeper Wes Foderingham will have had his heart in his mouth when he wiped out Vydra after the striker went round him, only to be saved by a linesman's flag after Vydra strayed offside. He made a smart save earlier in the game to deny Kevin Long from a corner but the No.1 shirt is Aaron Ramsdale's to lose, as things stand.

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor