Sheffield United v Derby County: Romelle Donovan, welcome return and red card
United were held to a draw against Derby on Saturday
Sheffield United were held to a draw against Derby County at Bramall Lane despite playing against ten men for over half an hour.
Bobby Clark had Derby in front as United struggled to break down a disciplined defence.
A red card for Dion Sanderson finally gave United an opening and from then on it was incessant pressure, however despite being camped in the visitors’ half, they had just Patrick Bamford’s scruffy goal to show for their efforts.
Here’s what we learnt after a frustrating result for the Blades.
Donovan injected new life into the game
The teenager sent a message to United boss Chris Wilder after he was given an opportunity that was grasped with two hands. The Brentford loanee was quickly rewarded with an assist for Patrick Bamford’s equaliser after his sharp, confident direct running proved difficult for Derby's defenders to deal with. After knocking the ball past two Derby defenders, Donovan whipped in an inviting cross that Bamford managed to finish calmly. He injected new life into the game, giving his manager food for thought for next weekend.
Seriki’s return
Femi Seriki replaced Hamza Choudhury just shy of the hour mark, which provided an opportunity for more attacking support. He managed to deliver some impressive crosses, but the fullback ultimately wasn't rewarded for his efforts.
Derby’s red card
United showed a completely different side to them after Dion Sanderson was shown a second yellow for his foul on Femi Seriki. The Rams immediately retreated and found themselves under plenty of pressure from the Blades, yet they failed to snatch a winner.
Cooper saves
Michael Cooper made three huge saves in the first half, although there was nothing he could do to stop Derby’s goal after it hit the post and fell kindly for Bobby Clark, who had an open goal to shoot at. He adjusted his positioning for a Clark strike earlier on in the first half to make a save that was driven low into his bottom right corner.
A lack of service to strikers in the first half
United seemed to have cracked the code early in the first quarter of an hour as Tahith Chong pumped dangerous crosses into the box, yet they failed to capitalise on the chances. Tom Cannon and Bamford had a combined total of 3 touches in Derby’s box in the first half, with all three coming from Cannon. For a system that largely relies on balls being played into them, it’s no wonder the duo failed to make an impact in the first-half.