Sheffield United ended their pre-season campaign unbeaten as they drew 0-0 at Bochum this afternoon. Cheered on by a couple of thousand Blades who had made the trip to Germany, the Blades were second best in the first half but edged the second.
They were indebted to Michael Cooper for keeping them in the game in the first 45 minutes, the United goalkeeper making three smart saves to keep it goalless, but had some great chances after the break, with Gus Hamer flashing just wide and Callum O’Hare forcing a good save from Timo Horn.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on the day ahead of next week’s season opener at Mansfield Town...
9. Callum O'Hare 5
Plenty of industry as ever from the United No.10 as he buzzed all over the pitch and dropped deep to try and link it. Had United's first shot on target when he looked to whip one into the far corner but Horn got across to palm it away, and was denied by Horn again inside the last 10 minutes after he was found brilliantly by Hamer. Could have finished pre-season with three or four goals to his name with some big opportunities squandered | Sportimage
10. Gus Hamer 6
Started the game amid the ongoing speculation about his future and there were a few raised eyebrows on the press bench when he seemed to turn down at least one tackle he would normally have committed to. But at the same time he didn't look like a player with his head entirely elsewhere as he berated the officials for a poor decision and there were also glimpses of his undoubted quality, although he should have scored just after the hour mark when he was found by Rothwell but flashed wide. Did superbly to pick out O'Hare for a golden chance and if United were to make the breakthrough, you felt that Hamer would be involved somehow | Sportimage
11. Tom Cannon 5
Another tough shift for United's No.9 up front on his own, as he was left to chase shadows for a lot of the game and made so many runs that were either not seen or turtned down by teammates. His chance to shine eventually came in the second half when the ball fell into his path and he worked an angle before letting fly on his left foot, with Horn saving and then holding onto the effort. He later had a volleyed effort from Seriki's cross but didn't catch it as he'd have liked and Horn held on. Replaced by Campbell | Sportimage
12. Subs: Oliver Arblaster
Came on for Peck and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park, including a couple seconds after coming on to set in motion a chance for Hamer | Sportimage