Harshly sent off, Grew into the game - Sheffield United player ratings from 1-0 win over Aston Villa

Skipper David McGoldrick was the Blades’ hero, finishing in the first half for what proved to be the winner as United moved past Derby’s record-low points total of 11.

Here’s how our man Danny Hall rated United’s players in victory over the Villains.

Aaron Ramsdale 8

Showed good composure and confidence to take the ball round Watkins after Jagielka's backpass fell short early on. Survived a mix-up with Kean Bryan that saw the ball deflected behind, and made a good save in injury time to deny Konsa an equaliser

George Baldock 8

Showed good instincts to intercept a poor pass from McGinn in midfield, but Lundstram's poor pass saw the move break down. His cross for United's opener may have been a shot, but United didn't care at all

Ethan Ampadu 8

Had to be alert to block the shot of Traore on the line as Villa started to increase the pressure on United late in the game. Really grew into the game when United went to a back four after Jagielka's red card

Phil Jagielka 6

Was indebted to his goalkeeper's quick reactions as he beat Watkins to an under-hit backpass and confidently rounded the Villa striker. Did superbly to throw his body in the way of Traore's shot in the second half before being harshly sent off for foul on El Ghazi after a VAR review

Kean Bryan 8

Took a chance when he took out Watkins as he broke away, but replays show it was just outside the box and so United were spared the agony of a VAR call. Looked to bring the ball out of defence and denied McGinn with a superb first-half challenge

Enda Stevens 7

Solid rather than spectacular, Stevens used his experience to defend the back post when Villa began to take the aerial route in a bid to get back into the game. Was on hand to clear from the goalmouth in injury time after Ramsdale couldn't connect enough with the ball

Ollie Norwood 8

Saw plenty of the ball early on as he made himself available and demanded it from his teammates, spraying it left and right to try and get United going. Also put his foot in to good effect when needed, including a superb block on McGinn's shot and a brave clearance when the boots were flying in stoppage time after Ramsdale saved from Konsa

John Lundstram 7

Looked to set up his big pal Baldock after United won the ball back high up the pitch, but his pass was underhit and the chance went begging. But played his part in a brilliant midfield effort from United, as they played over half an hour with 10 men

John Fleck 8

Tenacious in the tackle, flattening his Scotland teammate McGinn in one challenge before flying into another to deny Traore the chance to cause United more problems. Bust a gut to track back and get to the ball ahead of Davis as the clock ticked towards injury time

David McGoldrick 9

United's skipper started the move for the first goal with a delightful turn and raking pass to Baldock, and then finished it after continuing his run to the back post and finishing off the cross/shot. Was booked and then may have had his heart in his mouth when Traore went down under his challenge. Went off for Osborn

Rhian Brewster 6

United's record signing was handed a rare start up front after his recent time on the bench, and had a quiet start before he found Fleck with a nice pass before testing Martinez's handling with a well-struck shot. Made way for Burke on the hour mark

Subs: Oli Burke 6

Came on for Brewster and had a good chance to put the game to bed with 10 minutes left, but he lacked composure and seemed to be caught between trying to pass and looking to shoot. Was taken off himself with two minutes to go

Ben Osborn 7

Replaced McGoldrick as United looked to shore up for the last 18 minutes or so of normal time. Gave United some extra legs and energy at a time when it was needed

Oli McBurnie n/a

Came on for his fellow Scotland striker with a couple of minutes to go

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