Speculation over the Senegalese starboy’s future has only intensified in recent days amid reports of a move to Marseille, but United’s key man reported for duty at Chesterfield as Paul Heckingbottom’s men kicked off their pre-season campaign with victory over their local rivals.
United fielded two different XIs in either half ahead of their warm-weather training camp in Portugal - where they will experience much better weather than North Derbyshire, where rainstorms punctuated the action as 4,500 Blades fans made the short trip to watch their side.
Here’s how we rated every United player against Chesterfield...
17. Jili Buyabu 5
Thought he had the chance to get on the scoresheet when Osborn’s good pass over the top set him clear but the offside flag eventually went up. Photo: Simon Bellis
18. Sander Berge 6
Looked promising as he strode through midfield, picking perfectly-weighted passes at will and playing a big hand in United’s opening goal. Could have had another assist too but Sachdev’s shot was horribly miscued Photo: Simon Bellis
19. Harrison Neal 5
Back at the Blades after his impressive loan spell last season and looking to impress, Neal certainly got stuck in with his tackles and also used the ball intelligently when he could. Will have learned a lot from 45 minutes alongside Berge Photo: Isaac Parkin
20. Ben Osborn 7
Looked desperate to impress after being introduced at half-time and almost had a goal to show for his endeavour after good work from Ndiaye and McBurnie, but the defender did well to get across and deflect his flicked effort behind. Did then get on the scoresheet moments later with a tap-in after unselfish work from McBurnie and almost returned the favour with a lovely cross from which Tyrer saved McBurnie’s header well Photo: Morgan Harlow/Getty Images