Sheffield United loan watch: Ismaila Coulibaly continues scoring streak in Belgium and Tyler Smith nets derby day winner for Swindon Town

The Blades remain rooted at the foot of the table with just a single point to their name after the agonising defeat in the West Midlands – a ninth reverse in their opening 10 top flight games .

But how did the players currently not part of Chris Wilder’s first team squad get on for their loan clubs at the weekend? Did they fare any better?

Let’s take a look.

Luke Freeman

The 28-year-old attacker is currently on a season-long loan with Championship side Nottingham Forest.

Freeman, who joined United for a then club record £5m from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2019, has found game time hard to come by in recent weeks and wasn’t in the Reds’ matchday squad for yesterday’s defeat against Swansea City at the City Ground having failed to shake off a groin injury.

Rhys Norrington-Davies

Twenty-one-year-old Norrington-Davies is on loan at Championship side Luton Town for the 2020/21 campaign.

The Wales under-21 international has been in decent form for the Hatters but he and his team-mates had a day to forget in South Wales on Saturday where Nathan Jones’ side were hammered 4-0 by Cardiff City.

Jake Eastwood

The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined Scottish Premiership outfit Kilmarnock in July on a six-month loan and is back to full fitness after suffering a thigh injury on his debut against Hibernian in early August.

Killie had no game at the weekend but Eastwood will be hoping to feature at Hamilton Saturday.

David Parkhouse

The Northern Ireland under-21 international forward signed for National League side Hartlepool United on loan until January in September.

Pools had a free weekend but Parkhouse, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for United, should be in manager Dave Challinor’s plans for his side’s game at Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.

Tyler Smith

Twenty-one-year-old striker Smith joined League One outfit Swindon Town on a season-long loan in August.

The forward, who has not made a senior appearance for the Blades, made himself a hero for the Robins faithful by bagging an injury-time winner to help John Sheridan’s side record a 2-1 win at Oxford United on Saturday – a first victory over their local rivals in 19 years.

It was Smith’s sixth goal in nine games and the youngster will now be hoping to get more game time at the County Ground after being sidelined by a groin injury.

In giving the United man a rating of eight, Swindon Advertiser’s Jonathan Leighfield wrote: “The poor kid was made to run from pillar to post before the introduction of Tom Broadbent, but got his rewards when he won the game for Town in added time. He swore to me that he got the final touch, so I believe him. Booked.”

Marcus Dewhurst

Young goalkeeper Dewhurst re-joined League Two Carlisle United on a temporary basis until January 2021 at the end of August.

The 19-year-old had previously joined the Cumbrians on-loan on deadline day last January, but failed to make a competitive appearance before Covid-19 brought about the suspension of league football in England.

Dewhurst hit the headlines earlier this month when he pulled off two saves in Carlisle’s penalty shootout win over Southern League Premier Division South outfit Hayes & Yeading in the FA Cup first round on his debut, but was an unused substitute in the 2-1 second round defeat to Doncaster Rovers at Brunton Park on Sunday.

Ismaila Coulibaly

Mali under-20 midfielder Coulibaly joined United from Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08 earlier this season and was immediately sent out on loan for the next three seasons to high-flying Belgian side Beerschot, the Blades’ sister club.

Coulibaly, who has been named in United’s list of U21 players for the 2020/21 season, is more than enjoying life in the Belgian Pro League and netted a late winner in his side’s 3-2 win at Mechelen yesterday to fire Beerschot to the top of the table on goal difference.

The youngster has now scored four goals in seven matches.

Stephen Mallon

The Blades’ under-23 winger has now returned to Bramall Lane after a spell on loan with Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The Irishman took to Twitter after his stint with the Candy Stripes came to an end last week, writing: “Want to wish everyone at @derrycityfc

all the very best. My loan period has expired, unfortunately I never got to show you all my best.

“Massive thanks to Decky (Declan Devine), Paddy (McCourt), the staff, my team mates and the fans for the opportunity and support. I’m grateful for the experience.”

Sam Graham

The 20-year-old central defender is on loan at National League outfit Notts County – his second temporary stint with the Magpies – until January and was an unused substitute in the 3-0 win over Wealdstone at Meadow Lane on Friday night.

Regan Slater

United allowed the 21-year-old midfielder to join Hull City earlier this month on a season-long loan.

Slater picked up a booking and played the full 90 minutes plus extra-time in the Tigers’ shock penalty shoot-out defeat to League Two strugglers Stevenage yesterday.

Barry Cooper, the club’s correspondent for Hull Live, wrote of Slater’s performance: “Looked better as the half wore on and he found his stride, tenacious in the tackle and very energetic. Picked up a booking in the second half. Showed he has something about him. 6/10.”

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