Chris Wilder couldn't enjoy a fairytale homecoming to Sheffield United as his side lost 2-0 at home to Liverpool tonight, but there was plenty of optimism for the future in their display. Goals from Virgil Van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai, with United looking for a foul on both occasions, sealed victory for the Reds.
But the Blades had their chances to go ahead much earlier, with James McAtee and Cameron Archer denied, with a committed display suggesting that they are not dead and buried just yet in the battle for survival ahead of this weekend's home clash with Brentford. Here's how our man rated the Blades' players against the Reds...
9. James McAtee 6
Enjoyed a dream chance early in the piece when Archer won it high and McAtee got a shot away, but Kelleher stayed big and pulled off a big block. Almost returned the favour with a lovely sliderule pass that sent Archer free but he hesitated and pulled it back onto his right foot, giving the Liverpool defence time to recover and force him back
10. Cameron Archer 6.5
Raised the crowd's levels a little more early in the game with a good run past Endo and a few of his teammates before drawing the foul. Showed good perseverance to set up McAtee's chance before enjoying a great one of his own, before hesitating just a split second too long and allowing Van Dijk to get back and block. Worked tirelessly down the left channel and was a constant headache for Alexander-Arnold and Konate, but had to do better with his chance and should have played in Osula
11. Will Osula 7
Another youngster given a big chance on the big stage and who delivered a mature performance, leading the line and flanked by Archer and McAtee. Was unfortunate not to pick up an assist when his clever pass sent Archer free and then his teammate didn't reciprocate with the pass he should have played to send Osula free on Kelleher's goal, instead trying to go himself. Replaced by Traore with his race run