The Blades defender was taken to a local hospital after a horror incident when he fell awkwardly after a cross and received lengthy treatment to his left leg, which was placed in a brace before he was stretchered off.
It was a big shock for such a popular player and man and the Blades rallied afterwards, dragging themselves back on level terms through Antonee Robinson’s own goal after Bobby Reid had put the home side ahead. But they suffered more bad luck for Fulham’s winner, Tom Cairney slipping as he shot from long range but seeing his shot hit the bar and rebound off Wes Foderingham’s back before nestling in the back of the Blades net.
Willian then put the game beyond doubt with a third goal in injury time, his shot bursting through the grasp of Foderingham, and all eyes will be on Basham’s prognosis now going into the international break as the Blades’ winless start to the season continued in West London. Here’s how we rated the Blades’ players as they battled hard but once again came up short...
5. Auston Trusty 7.5
Made his full Premier League debut on the left of defence in place of Jack Robinson and was forced into some work inside the first 15 seconds as he headed a cross behind as Fulham started quickly. A good block prevented Bobby Reid from opening the scoring from close range soon after and set the tone for his performance, which was a very impressive full debut in the Premier League. He’ll keep his place anyway because of circumstances but more than deserved to anyway | Getty Images
6. Luke Thomas 4
Not an afternoon the Leicester loanee will want to remember in a hurry, summed up by an attempted pass in the first half that he completely scuffed and saw bobble out of play about 10 yards in front of him. Was wasteful in good crossing positions and was barely in the same London borough as Bobby Reid as he put the home side ahead. Made way for Larouci | Getty Images
7. Ollie Norwood 6
Came into the side at McAtee’s expense as boss Heckingbottom looked for more defensive protection in midfield and he offered that, with the extra bonus of his passing range - with one example sending Archer free down the right with a lovely ball that earned United a dangerous set-piece | Getty Images
8. Vini Souza 5
Was a typical physical presence in midfield but looked to play when he could too. Bar one mix-up with Bogle, when the pair left the ball to each other and went in opposite directions, he was decent | Getty Images