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...
9. Gus Hamer 6
Was handed extra attacking responsibility in Heckingbottom’s team selection and was always lively and looking to get involved. But his best moment probably came without the ball, with a brilliant recovery tackle to snuff out the danger from Willian bursting through on goal after sprinting back to catch up with him. He was replaced by McAtee not long after a well-struck effort that fizzed over the Fulham bar, but he thought was troubling Leno judging by his reaction | Getty Images
10. Oli McBurnie 5
Should have done better with a free-header from a corner that he met unchallenged but planted straight at Leno, when a yard either side of him would surely have him off the mark for the season and given United a huge boost. Was inches away from doing that a bit later when he threw himself at Archer’s cross but just couldn’t connect | Getty Images
11. Cameron Archer 5
Starved of service to a point and cut a frustrated figure as a long pass from Foderingham went over his head, but United aren’t going to create tons for their strikers at the minute and they may have to do better off scraps. His brightest moment came when he turned Diop and crossed for McBurnie but the striker was inches away from touching home. Lost the ball going down a blind alley moments before Fulham’s winning goal, and was replaced by Brewster | Getty Images
12. Subs: Jack Robinson 6
After the frustration of being dropped, had to put that aside after being thrown on after the hammer-blow of Basham’s injury. Did all that was asked of him down the left and will now have an extended run in the side | AFP via Getty Images