String of fine moments, is there any point persisting? - Sheffield United player ratings from defeat to Southampton

United hardly laid a glove on the Saints, who won thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s penalty and a stunning finish from former Blade Che Adams – and they could have had several more.

Here’s how United’s player rated...

Aaron Ramsdale 8

Did his reputation no harm once again with a string of fine saves to keep the Blades in it, including one against his former Bramall Lane teammate Che Adams after a ball over the top caught United out. Had no chance with Adams' earlier goal and once again didn't put a foot or hand wrong throughout

Jayden Bogle 6

On his surprise, early return to the Blades side, struggled to get to grips with the lively Tella and was later booked for dragging him down. Had a chance to get United back into it, but couldn't get his left-footed shot on target

George Baldock 6

Lined up on the right of United's back three and did brilliantly to recover just before half-time and take the ball off Adams' toes as he looked to make it 2-0

Ethan Ampadu 6

Lined up in the centre of defence and took a painful blow from Armstrong's shot in the opening exchanges of the game. Timed a challenge well on Bertrand that would have been a penalty if he didn't - but then gave away one when he brought down Tella

Kean Bryan 6

Looked to get forward and support attacks when he could and missed a good chance from Fleck's excellent free-kick, but replays showed he'd have been offside anyway.

Enda Stevens 4

Will have had his heart in his mouth when he cut out a long ball but only as far as Tella, who shot wide with Ramsdale off his line. Good drilled cross late on almost resulted in a consolation goal for Sharp, but looks a shadow of the player he was at his Blades best

Ollie Norwood 5

Sacrificed at half-time as United changed shape in an attempt to get back into the game. Didn't do anything wrong while he was on the pitch

John Lundstram 3

Hardly covered himself in glory in build-up to Saints' second goal as his clearance was blocked, then he stood and watched as Adams smashed home. Robbed too easily of possession in the dying minutes and Southampton should have made it three. If he won't be here next season, is there any point persisting with him?

John Fleck 6

United's best creative threat in the first half, his brilliant free-kick almost created a chance for Bryan but he missed, and was offside anyway. Took the ball off Adams' toe late on as he looked poised to make it 3-0. Booked for late challenge on Adams, which sparked a bit of handbags

David McGoldrick 6

Had a good chance to play his strike partner in on goal, but played the wrong angle and maybe didn't realise how much space Brewster had. Could have equalised on stroke of half-time, but his attempted chip couldn't beat Forster

Rhian Brewster 6

Thought he had a good claim for a penalty when he was pulled down by Bednarek in the first half, but nothing was given. Good ball set McGoldrick free, but his chip went wrong. Later replaced by Sharp

Subs: Oli McBurnie 5

Came on for Norwood at the break and was booked for his part in a late melee after Fleck's challenge on Adams

Lys Mousset 5

Replaced David McGoldrick just before the hour mark and had a good chance to cross, only to absolutely blaze it across goal - much to Sharp's audible frustration

Billy Sharp 5

Came on for Brewster and couldn't get anything on Mousset's smashed cross - if he had, it would have probably taken his head off