The Blades improved from last weekend’s 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United but went down to goals from Jarred Bowen and Tomas Soucek in the first half. United went closest through Oli McBurnie’s scuffed effort but remain bottom of the Premier League table.
Here’s how we rated United’s players in the capital.
9. James McAtee 5
Will have been a relieved man in side the fifth minute when he was robbed on his own goalline by Bowen, as he tried to shepherd the ball out of play, but Soucek ballooned over the subsequent cross. Had a few moments early on when he got his foot on the ball and looked to make something happen but they often broke down. One curling shot looked decent after cutting inside before being headed away by a centre-half. Replaced by Davies
10. Oli McBurnie 5.5
Came back into the side after suspension to replace Norwood in the starting line-up and held the ball up nicely in the opening stages of the game, giving United a focal point they lacked against Newcastle last week. Enjoyed a huge chance to get United back in the game at 2-0 but scuffed his shot wide, protesting it should have been a corner
11. Cameron Archer 5
Will have thought he had put the Blades ahead early in the game when the ball fell kindly to him in the box but a brilliant block from Aguerd saved what would have been a certain opener. Found McBurnie with a lovely reverse pass for what should have been 2-1
12. Subs: Chris Basham
Took the captain’s armband from Egan after replacing the defender and almost set up a goal with his first touch, as he nodded across goal but Ahmedhodzic’s header was saved