United, then in League One, had already booked their place in the last four of the League Cup and continued their knockout success at Loftus Road, with Jamal Campbell-Ryce scoring twice after Marc McNulty had put the Blades ahead. QPR boss Harry Redknapp made seven changes, but the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Charlie Austin were still on the hosts’ teamsheet as they were humbled by Nigel Clough’s side.
"We were confident but when you come away to Premier League sides you've got to work hard and get the blocks in like we did,” then-Blades coach Chris Morgan said afterwards. We know we can come and compete with top teams. It's great to have a run in the cup - great for supporters and for the revenue of the club."
But what happened to the Blades’ side from that day? Let’s have a look ...
13. Subs: Jamie Murphy
Another Scottish star in United's ranks, Murphy was transformed into a striker from a winger under Clough before moving to Brighton to further his hopes of winning a Scotland cap. Later moved to his boyhood club Rangers but suffered a bad knee injury and now plays for Ayr United Photo: Jamie McDonald
14. James Wallace
A highly-rated midfielder who saw injuries severely disrupt his playing career, Wallace hung up his boots at Fleetwood Town and remained at Highbury in a scouting capacity. He later became Fleetwood's head of recruitment but moved to Preston as chief scout in the summer of 2022 Photo: Sportimage
15. Michael Higdon
Captained United on his debut and scored against Bristol City, but netted only a handful of times for the Blades Photo: Shaun Botterill
16. Nigel Clough (manager)
Clough led United to the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Bramall Lane, which came to an end in 2015. He later returned to Burton Albion before leaving amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, resuming his managerial career at Mansfield Town in 2020 where he remains Photo: Mike Hewitt