Sheffield United loan watch: Rhys Norrington-Davies provides 'energy and quality' for Luton Town in win over Derby County, while Luke Freeman is 'classy' despite Nottingham Forest defeat

But how did the players currently not part of Chris Wilder’s first team squad get on for their loan clubs at the weekend.

Let’s take a look.

Luke Freeman

The 28-year-old attacker is currently on a season-long with Championship side Nottingham Forest, who have lost their opening two league games and also yet to find the back of the net.

However, Freeman – who joined United for a then club record £5m from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2019 – has so far impressed for the Reds and once again shone in the 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City at the City Ground on Saturday.

He created Forest’s best chance just past the quarter-hour mark when he played a delightful ball into the box but striker Lewis Grabban could only sky his effort over from close range.

Writing after the game, Nottinghamshire Live’s Sarah Clapson, said of Freeman: “Really settling into that role now (just behind Grabban). Comfortable on the ball and played some neat passes. A classy player. Needs to see more of the ball - like he did after the break.”

Rhys Norrington-Davies

Twenty-one-year-old Norrington-Davies has joined Championship outfit Luton Town for the 2020/21 campaign – and is already impressing for the Hatters as they sit in the top three of the division.

The Wales under-21 international left-back provided the cross for Jordan Clark to head home a late winner in the 2-1 defeat of Derby County at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

Mike Simmons, of Luton Today, in giving Norrington-Davies a match rating of eight, wrote: “Kept Rams new boy Jozwiak quiet for the first half as Town produced a dominant performance. Had to dig in after the break, but still had the energy and quality to get forward and pick out the perfect cross for Clark to win it.”

Jake Eastwood

The 23-year-old goalkeeper joined Scottish Premiership outfit Kilmarnock in July but suffered a thigh injury on his debut against Hibernian in early August and is currently receiving treatment back at United. He’s still thought to be a minimum of five weeks away from a return to action.

David Parkhouse

The Northern Ireland under-21 international forward joined National League side Hartlepool United on loan until January earlier this month.

Parkhouse, 20, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for United, made a second half substitute appearance for United in their 12-0 win over Brandon United in a friendly on Saturday.

The National League campaign doesn’t begun until October 3 when Pools host Aldershot, but they are in action again when they entertain a Middlesbrough XI on Friday before travelling north to Gateshead the following day.

Tyler Smith

Striker Smith joined League One outfit Swindon Town on a season-long loan last month.

The 21-year-old, who has not made a senior appearance for the Blades, scored on his debut for the Robins in their 3-1 win over Rochdale on the opening day of the season but was substituted in the 58th minute of his side’s 2-0 defeat at Blackpool on Saturday.

Jonathan Leighfield, of the Swindon Advertiser, gave the forward a rating of six and wrote: “Smith made a number of good runs into channels during the first half, but really should have opened the scoring from a header – nodding his header wide. Suffered from a real lack of service. Subbed."

Marcus Dewhurst

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

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 was once again an unused substitute in Carlisle’s 2-0 win over Southend United on Saturday.

Ismaila Coulibaly

Mali under-20 midfielder Coulibaly joined United from Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08 earlier this month and was immediately sent out on loan to Belgian side Beerschot. The 19-year-old was an unused substitute in fourth-placed Beerschot’s 3-1 defeat at league leaders Charleroi in the Pro League on Friday night.

Stephen Mallon

The Blades’ under-23 winger is currently on loan with League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City and played in the goalless draw with St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night. Mallon will remain with the Candystripes until the end of the current campaign in October.

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