The Final Word: Yes, they were beaten but Sheffield United's brief flirtation with the Carabao Cup bodes well for their Premier League future

There’s no such thing as a ‘free hit’ - despite what some people will say.

What there is, however, is a bigger picture. And that is what Sheffield United should be looking at when they reflect upon events at Burnley on Thursday evening as they prepare for what promises to be a difficult Premier League assignment at Aston Villa next week. The spending spree Dean Smith has been on since his team narrowly avoided being relegated last term means they Villa that United will face on Monday are a different beast, a very different beast in fact, to the team they beat 2-0 at Bramall Lane in December or, thanks to a Hawkeye and VAR omnishambles, were held to a goalless draw by in the West Midlands three months ago.

Although the Carabao Cup was not a priority for United this term, losing at Turf Moor will still have been a disappointment. Being beaten on penalties is never a good feeling. Particularly after taking the lead early on; David McGoldrick’s fifth minute strike later being cancelled-out by Matej Vydra before Oli McBurnie went on to miss from the spot.

But when he looks back on his team’s performance, against opponents who, despite being without several key figures themselves selected a starting eleven which would not look out of place in the PL, Wilder should be encouraged by what he saw. Five of the six players he has signed this summer were making their debuts. And all of them, two in particular, made positive impressions.

Oliver Burke’s power and pace through the middle will clearly be an asset over the course of the campaign while Ethan Ampadu, despite being handed the most difficult role of all, is clearly capable of operating as an overlapping centre-half. In goal, Wes Foderingham was a vocal presence, demonstrating a mastery of the nuts and bolts of his profession, and could do nothing to prevent Vydra’s effort. But Max Lowe and Jayden Bogle really caught the eye. The biggest tribute you can pay them is that George Baldock and Enda Stevens, who have been shoe-ins at wing-back for the past two years, will also have sat up and taken notice as the former Derby County duo charged up and down the flanks, making their presence felt at both ends of the pitch, during the second round tie.

Barring injury or illness, Aaron Ramsdale will replace Foderingham at Villa after being rested for the meeting with Sean Dyche’s side. The likelihood is that Burke and Ampadu will also drop out - although the latter could benefit if United decide to freshen up their midfield - while both Baldock and Stevens are also set to return. They have, after all, done nothing to warrant being dropped.

But Wilder now knows, as United get ready to face Smith’s men, that their manoeuvres during the transfer window have added genuine competition and brought greater tactical flexibility to his squad.

Which, as he attempts to preserve their top-flight status for another season, was the whole point of the exercise.

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Chris Holt, Football Editor