Four relieved men and a possible contender for Strictly Come Dancing: The big talking points from Sheffield United's draw with Watford

It’s good to be frustrated: Despite Chris Wilder’s best efforts to talk-up Watford’s credentials beforehand, the United manager was still disappointed not to have seen his team beat opponents who had made the journey from Hertfordshire at the foot of the table. But that is a measure of the progress the hosts’ have made since being promoted from the Championship last season. And United still finished the match sixth, yes sixth, ahead of this weekend’s visit to Manchester City.

The end of an era: This was the final game of the decade at Bramall Lane, with Wilder’s players now preparing for trips to the reigning Premier League champions and then present leaders Liverpool. Until his appointment in May 2016, it looked like being 10 years to forget for United who, despite reaching the sem-finals of both the FA and League cups, had spent much of them floundering around in the third tier of English football. But if they can continue on the same trajectory, it will be fascinating to see what shape they are in by the time Boxing Day 2029 rolls around.

He’s still got it: Jordan Pickford, Tom Heaton, Nick Pope and Bramall Lane favourite Dean Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, are now the names in the conversation to decide England’s best goalkeeper ahead of the forthcoming European Championships. But Ben Foster, who last played for his country at the 2014 World Cup, proved he is still up there with the finest the Three Lions have got to offer by producing a string of fine saves during this game.

Strictly Basham: He might not be the most technically gifted player ever to wear a United jersey. Or the most glamorous to ever grace the pitch at Bramall Lane. But Chris Basham is, quite possibly, one of the most whole-hearted. And, as he demonstrated during the first-half, one of the best dancers too. A huge roar reverberated around the stadium when, having dashed back to rob Watford of possession, he then swivelled his hips and showed a decent turn of pace to leave an opponent floundering. A slot on prime time Saturday night television could await.

No names: United entered this game with four players knowing a caution would have ruled them out of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City. Fortunately, even though Wilder later acknowledged it was “only a small positive”, George Baldock, John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood and Basham all negotiated safe passage through the match. For a squad whose manager demands they physically engage with the opposition, the fact John Fleck is its only member to be suspended under the totting-up rule since the start of the season is an achievement. Particularly in a competition which can be as theatrical as the Premier League.