Will Osula netted his first senior goals for Sheffield United as they booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-0 victory over Gillingham at Priestfield. The 20-year-old scored twice in the first half as United picked up their first away victory since the final game of last season, with James McAtee adding a brace of his own in the second half.
United gave a debut to new signing Ben Brereton Diaz off the bench after his loan arrival from Villareal on the eve of the game, with some young players also gaining some more valuable experience as the Blades kicked off 2024 with victory over the League Two side. Here's how we rated United's players ...
5. Luke Thomas 6
Speculation surrounds his United future in this window but he remains a Blade and kept his place from Man City a week ago. Booked in the first half for taking far too long over a throw-in, after ref Darren Bond had warned him twice to get a move on as he looked to slow the game down right in front of boss Wilder. Had appeals against him for handball in the second half waved away, primarily because the ball hit him square in the side of the head - although that didn't stop the home fans baying for the referee over the decision
6. Ollie Norwood 7
Struggled to find his passing range from the start as he ballooned a pass head-high for Robinson to control but regained it shortly after with a beautiful raking pass to send McAtee clear, before he lost his footing and a good opening went begging. Marshalled midfield well all game and picked up an assist late on when McAtee took advantage of a defensive mix-up and fired home
7. Gus Hamer 7
Back in the side after his ban and always took the positive option to play forward rather than safe, and wasn't too far away with a nice curling effort in the second half that Turner will have been pleased to see sail over his bar rather than settle under it. Unfortunate not to finish with an assist after his pass sent Brewster free but his finish was poor
8. Andre Brooks 6.5
Handed another chance to impress for his boyhood club and looked bright in spells, including a good mazy run in the second half that was brought to an end before he could get a shot away. Will be learning more and more from every game he plays, whether away at City or in less salubrious surroundings here. Made way for Souza (n/a) later in the game