Player ratings: Clearly low on confidence, and left badly exposed - How we rated Sheffield United in defeat to West Ham
Sébastien Haller got the winner in the second half for West Ham as United, who saw Oli McBurnie hit the bar later on, suffered their fourth defeat in a row.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on another difficult afternoon at Bramall Lane.
Ramsdale 6
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Hide AdMade a decent stop to deny Coufal in the first half and had to be alert to prevent Haller poking home from close range from Rice's pass. For me, was left badly exposed by his teammates for Haller's opening goal and despite getting a hand on the striker's thunderbolt shot, couldn't prevent it from flying into the top corner
Baldock 6
Had an early chance after being played in over the top, but his volley was saved by Fabianski. Full of endeavour as ever, Baldock seemed to be on a one-man mission to get United up the pitch at some points of the game
Basham 6
Didn't seem to link up with Baldock with his usual attacking verve, despite a few nice moments – including a couple of dangerous-looking crosses that weren’t met in the middle. Solid enough defensively and was unfortunate to see his block on Fornals fall straight to Haller, who blasted West Ham ahead
Egan 6
Returned to action after being taken off for Ireland against England, and found Baldock with a brilliant early ball over the top. Made a good block to deny Bowen after West Ham cut United open but United are still looking for that first clean sheet of the season
Ampadu 5
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Hide AdSlotted in at left centre-half with Stevens missing and was given a difficult afternoon at times, albeit in a position he is admittedly unfamiliar with. Being right footed didn't help him going forward either, before his afternoon ended prematurely with an unknown injury that saw him replaced by Jack Robinson
Lowe 5
Was on the front foot from the first whistle and a good cross almost found McBurnie inside the opening minute. But much of the good moments West Ham had, particularly in the first half, seemed to come down their right, and Bowen had a lot of joy in particular at times.
Norwood 5
Couldn't effect the game as he did so consistently last season, pinging the ball to all corners of Bramall Lane. Maybe has lost a bit of confidence? At times looked to play the safe ball. Either he or Ampadu should still play in midfield, to free up Berge
Berge 6
Passed to play after a Covid-19 scare on international duty but couldn't really get going with those driving runs forward that have been one of the highlights of United's season so far. Used the ball intelligently but was overall solid rather than spectacular
Fleck 5
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Hide AdMaking a welcome return to the side after his recent back injury, Fleck came alive at the start of the second half after a fairly quiet first. Two sublime angled balls into the box almost led to chances but ultimately it was a losing return to the side for the Scottish international
McBurnie 5
The striker will probably attract the usual social media ire after squandering a few chances, but he is clearly a player low on confidence at the minute as his wait for a goal continues. Could have put United ahead in the opening few seconds but couldn't connect with Lowe's cross, then saw a volley and a header saved by Fabianski - getting good purchase on the latter after connecting with a looping cross. Only the crossbar eventually prevented him from netting
McGoldrick 5
United's top scorer saw an effort hit the post in the first half from McBurnie's knockdown, but he would have been ruled offside anyway had the ball hit the back of the net instead. Finished the game in the No.10 role
Subs
Jack Robinson 5
Came on for Ethan Ampadu after the on-loan Chelsea man succumbed to injury
Rhian Brewster 6
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Hide AdUnited's record signing replaced Ollie Norwood and showed a bit of quality to set free Sander Berge with a nice flick. Then released McBurnie as he hit the bar
John Lundstram 5
Came on for Chris Basham for the final 15 minutes or so as United went to a back four in an attempt to get back into it
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