'Had hearts in mouths', 'Looks more like player of old' - Sheffield United player ratings from elusive first league win against Newcastle United

Billy Sharp was the hero on the night, coming off the bench to score his 100th league goal for the Blades from the penalty spot.

Here’s how we rated United’s players on the night.

Aaron Ramsdale 7

Had to be on his toes a couple of times early on to race out and cut out the danger, with the lively Wilson playing on the last man. The saves he had to make were pretty comfortable but he was involved in a mix-up with Bogle deep into injury time that put hearts in mouths for Blades fans watching on. Finally has his first clean sheet in his second spell as a Blade, and will want many more now

Jayden Bogle 8

Kept his place after scoring the winner in the FA Cup and almost got another one when he chopped inside onto his left foot and forced Darlow into a smart save. Later made the 'keeper pull off another save from a tight angle and was a constant threat going forward. Even if Baldock was fit and available, he's done more than enough in recent weeks to keep his place at right wing-back

Chris Basham 7

Matched Fraser stride for stride down the left flank as the winger looked to break away, before using his strength to outmuscle the former Bournemouth man. Was perhaps a little fortunate that Wilson headed wide after outjumping him in the first half. Sacrificed in the second half as Wilder put on Brewster in pursuit of victory

John Egan 8

Good range of passing early on saw him spread the ball nicely to Osborn on the left wing. Kept the lively Callum Wilson quiet, even when United switched to a back four - giving him less cover in defence.

Ethan Ampadu 7

Played in an unfamiliar left centre-half position and sprayed the ball nicely early in the game, later crossing brilliantly to the back post for McGoldrick. A much more solid display than his last Premier League outing at Crystal Palace

Ben Osborn 7

Great energy up and down the left wing and a superb determination both to race back and then throw his body in the way of Hayden's shot towards the end of the first half

Ollie Norwood 7

Screened United's defence very well and saw plenty of the ball when United were on top, switching the play nicely and also helping to break it up on the rare occasions when Newcastle dared to venture forward. Played the ball forward which led to the penalty award

John Lundstram 8

Looked to curl an early effort into the far corner, but couldn't get enough bend on the ball before it flew wide. Elected to shoot from a narrow angle rather than square to Burke, much to the striker's audible frustration. Involved throughout

John Fleck 7

Probably his best display in recent weeks, showing signs of the Fleck of old as he drove forward with the ball and linked up well with Osborn and McGoldrick down the left flank. One move saw McGoldrick presented with a good chance.

David McGoldrick 8

Forced a smart save from Darlow after a lovely piece of interplay involving Fleck and Burke, and headed over from a lovely Ampadu cross. Sublime cross across the face of goal was begging to be converted, but Lundstram couldn't oblige. Became involved in a running battle with Schar late in the game and was booked in injury time.

Oli Burke 7

Recalled to the starting line-up after his goal at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and was an ever-willing runner in behind, playing his part in a good chance for McGoldrick. Made way just before the hour mark for Billy Sharp

Subs

Rhian Brewster 7

Came on for Basham and was agonisingly close to his first goal in United colours when his shot was deflected past Darlow, but it hit the post and rebounded into the goalkeeper's grateful grasp. Lively.

Billy Sharp 8

Replaced Oli Burke just before the hour mark and scored his 100th league goal for his boyhood club from the penalty spot after forcing Fernandez to handball under pressure. Booked for a foul which Newcastle thought could have been upgraded to a red.

Phil Jagielka n/a

Came on deep into injury time to help Blades see out the win