"Odd sign of his old self", "Given a tough time" - Player ratings from Sheffield United's 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United

But despite failing to pick up their first win of the season at home to Manchester United, the Blades were a different team from their weekend defeat to Southampton and could have earned a point late in the game.

Here’s how we rated United’s players tonight.

Aaron Ramsdale 5

Showed good alertness and a turn of pace to race out of his goal and deny Martial after he was played clear. Was well beaten by Rashford and appeared a little unfortunate that the ball bounced over him for Martial's goal. But made a terrible error for the visitors' third as Rashford's shot squirmed underneath his body

George Baldock 6

A man whose commitment, drive and passion encapsulates all that is good about Sheffield United. Lung-busting run in the dying minutes saw United win a corner from which they scored their second and at least set up a grandstand finish. Brilliant to see him commit his future to the Blades recently

Chris Basham 7

Shifted into midfield after Berge's early injury and did brilliantly to flick the ball over Matic's head and start a good move that led to a great chance for Fleck. Drove forward with the ball and linked up well with Baldock down the right hand side on occasion

John Egan 6

Did well to get back and get a toe on the ball after Fernandes found Martial in space and the Frenchman looked to shoot. Saw yellow after having a nibble at Fernandes from behind after the ball had been played

Jack Robinson 6

Recalled to the starting eleven at the expense of Phil Jagielka, Robinson gave United's back three a more 'natural' feel with his left foot. Tried his best to get forward when he could and combined with Egan to produce an outstanding block on Martial. Booked late on for a bit of handbags with Pogba, who also saw yellow

Enda Stevens 6

Probably the Republic of Ireland full-back's most promising display of the season as he looks to regain his sharpness following his recent injury lay off

Ethan Ampadu 6

Played a lovely ball through for Oli Burke after a rare foray forward from the 'sitting' midfielder, who was later booked for. Probably had his heart in his mouth in the last minute as he fouled Rashford, which eat up valuable seconds as the Blades looked for an equaliser

Sander Berge n/a

Lasted only a few minutes of the game before he went to chase a ball down the right touchline, hurt his hamstring and had to go off. United will be desperate for some good news when the injury is assessed ahead of a busy festive schedule

John Fleck 6

Could, and probably should, have put United 2-0 ahead after lovely combination work from Basham and Burke saw him presented with a good opening in acres of space. Fleck took a good touch to settle himself but curled his shot the wrong side of Dean Henderson's post. Showed the odd sign of his old self but United need a lot more than that, and fast

Oli Burke 7

A constant thorn in the visitors' side early in the game, Burke set up the Blades' opener with tenacious closing down of Dean Henderson before flicking the ball into David McGoldrick's path. Later set up Fleck's chance with great vision and composure to pick the pass. Chased everything and did well before he was replaced by Rhian Brewster

David McGoldrick 7.5

Put the Blades ahead after the chance was put on a plate for him by Burke and later forced a smart save from Henderson after breaking clear and beating Lindelof. Constantly looked to drop deep and link up play and although his second had a stroke of good fortune about it, two goals is the least his display deserved

Subs

Phil Jagielka 4

Came on early in the peace after Berge's injury and was caught out by a ball over the top for Rashford's equaliser. Given a tough time by the England man, who nutmegged him on one occasion before the Blades got back to block. Booked for a foul on Greenwood in lead up to Rashford's second and made way himself for Mousset as United looked for a way back into the game

Lys Mousset 7

Came on for Jagielka as United changed shape but took too long to play a pass to Stevens in acres of space, and seconds later Greenwood was shooting at United's goal. Thought he may have earned United a point late on but Henderson made a good save

Rhian Brewster 7

United's record signing replaced Oli Burke with about 15 minutes of regular time remaining and tested Henderson with a well-struck shot, and almost took a defender's head off as he smashed a free-kick goalwards. Almost set up a late equaliser for Mousset with a knockdown and there were some very promising signs from that partnership indeed

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