The Blades' opponents have endured a tough pre-season, culminating in a 4-0 hammering to local rivals West Brom last weekend, and United will be looking to capitalise on their misfortunes and claim victory this weekend.
Meanwhile, Blades man Luke Freeman has been reflecting on a tough spell on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, where he spent much of his time on the sidelines with injury. The United midfielder revealed: “It was very frustrating. I had surgery and got back and didn't feel right.
“The scans were saying I was fine but I wasn't and it was only when they opened me up again that they saw that it wasn't.
“Then it was back to the drawing board and another few months out. So it was very frustrating because it almost looks like you're lying, saying you're not fit and nothing's showing up on the scan. I wondered: ‘What's going on?’”
He continued: “I'm happy I got to the bottom of it because I was losing my marbles. I was thinking: ‘Have I gone soft or what?’ I knew it wasn't right and it was proved.
“It was very frustrating when it was supposed to be a quick six-week injury and ended up being five or six months. It wasn’t ideal.
“I know my own body and picked up another little injury at the back of the season which set me back another two months, so it's been a frustrating year. But all players go through it. It's about bouncing back from that and going again.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s transfer speculation below…
1. Downing announces retirement
Ex-Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers ace Stewart Downing has announced his retirement from professional football. The 37-year-old, who racked up 35 caps for England, won the League Cup with both Boro and Liverpool during his career. (BBC Sport) Photo: Lewis Storey
2. Tykes land Ligue 1 ace
Barnsley have completed the signing of Toulouse forward Aaron Leya Iseka. The 23-year-old began his career with Belgian giants Anderlecht, and is the younger brother of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi. (Club website) Photo: DENIS CHARLET
3. QPR stopper wanted in League One
QPR goalkeeper Dillon Barnes is said to be of interest to Doncaster Rovers. The Jamaica international is yet to play a senior game for the Hoops, and has spent time on loan with the likes of Scottish side Hibs and League One outfit Burton. (Doncaster Free Press) Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice
4. Napoli confident of landing Berge
Serie A side Napoli are said to be confident of signing Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, amid interest from Arsenal. The Norway international is expected to fetch a transfer fee of around £30m, should he move on this summer. (Calciomercato) Photo: Pool