To say United dominated both possession and chances it was Cooper who had to make the two standout saves of the game, first denying Jellis at the back post to keep the score level at 0-0 after a cross had somehow found its way past two defenders and into the path of the Millers man. Later on came an even better one when Nemane's effort was deflected off Seriki and looked like it would loop under the United bar, before Cooper did brilliantly to get a fingertip to it and deflect it onto the bar. Finished the game with the armband around his bicep after Tanganga went off placeholder image
To say United dominated both possession and chances it was Cooper who had to make the two standout saves of the game, first denying Jellis at the back post to keep the score level at 0-0 after a cross had somehow found its way past two defenders and into the path of the Millers man. Later on came an even better one when Nemane's effort was deflected off Seriki and looked like it would loop under the United bar, before Cooper did brilliantly to get a fingertip to it and deflect it onto the bar. Finished the game with the armband around his bicep after Tanganga went off | Sportimage

Ratings: Composed 7/10 man catches eye again as Sheffield United overcome pre-season profligacy to beat Rotherham United

Danny Hall
By Danny Hall

Sheffield United reporter

Published 25th Jul 2026, 16:56 GMT
Updated 25th Jul 2026, 17:09 GMT

Sheffield United player ratings v Rotherham United as unbeaten pre-season continues but familiar concern continues

Sheffield United overcame some more pre-season profligacy to continue their unbeaten friendly run with a 2-0 win at Rotherham United this afternoon. The Blades created a number of chances in the first half and could have gone into the break at least three or four ahead.

But they took until just before the whistle to go ahead through Tahith Chong, who scored his second in as many games to stake a claim for involvement when the season begins for real.

Callum O’Hare added a second in the second half from long range after letting fly while at the other end, goalkeeper Michael Cooper had to make a couple of smart saves to keep out Jamie Jellis and Aaron Nemane.

Here’s how we rated United’s players in their latest pre-season test as the new season draws ever closer...

A typically high-energy display from McCallum down the left, who has the chance to make the left-back spot his own ahead of the new season with Burrows missing again through injury. He was more involved in the first half than the second but his return to fitness is another boost for the Blades this summer. Forced a smart save from Cann in the dying minutes of the game

5. Sam McCallum 6

A typically high-energy display from McCallum down the left, who has the chance to make the left-back spot his own ahead of the new season with Burrows missing again through injury. He was more involved in the first half than the second but his return to fitness is another boost for the Blades this summer. Forced a smart save from Cann in the dying minutes of the game | Sportimage

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As a numbers geek I still can't get on board with the idea of him wearing the seven shirt but if that's the biggest misstep he makes this season then we're not doing too badly. This was another useful hour or so for him but he cruised through it in reality, keeping things simple and keeping United ticking over in the middle of the park before making way after 60 minutes or so

6. Joe Rothwell 6

As a numbers geek I still can't get on board with the idea of him wearing the seven shirt but if that's the biggest misstep he makes this season then we're not doing too badly. This was another useful hour or so for him but he cruised through it in reality, keeping things simple and keeping United ticking over in the middle of the park before making way after 60 minutes or so | Sportimage

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With Rothwell sitting it was a chance for Riedewald to go roaming a little more than we saw from him last season and he had a chance in the first half but just couldn't make good enough contact. He also dropped in to take the ball off the centre-halves at times and from the eye test probably had the most touches of anyone on the pitch in the first half. Made way after around an hour

7. Jairo Riedewald 6

With Rothwell sitting it was a chance for Riedewald to go roaming a little more than we saw from him last season and he had a chance in the first half but just couldn't make good enough contact. He also dropped in to take the ball off the centre-halves at times and from the eye test probably had the most touches of anyone on the pitch in the first half. Made way after around an hour | Sportimage

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Another chance for the World Cup man to stake a claim for the starting shirt down the right and on another day he could have advanced his cause with a hat-trick. Instead he had to make do with just the one, opening the scoring just before the break when another excellent pass from Hamer set him free. Earlier he'd gone clear but saw his shot bobble across goal and then tested Cann's handling in the second half with a well-struck shot after the ball fell into his path

8. Tahith Chong 6

Another chance for the World Cup man to stake a claim for the starting shirt down the right and on another day he could have advanced his cause with a hat-trick. Instead he had to make do with just the one, opening the scoring just before the break when another excellent pass from Hamer set him free. Earlier he'd gone clear but saw his shot bobble across goal and then tested Cann's handling in the second half with a well-struck shot after the ball fell into his path | Sportimage

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