Harry Pickering’s early goal was the difference between the two sides as United failed to build on their Wednesday night victory over Spurs in the FA Cup, placing extra importance on their midweek trip to Reading as the race for promotion takes another turn.
Here’s how we rated the Blades’ players at Ewood Park ...
9. John Fleck 4
Was caught between whether to stick or twist in the challenge leading to Rovers' opener - Thomas turned him and moments later the ball was in United's net. Was fortunate that another miscontrol of the ball didn't cost United in the second half but had a few decent moments on the ball before he made way for McAtee Photo: Simon Bellis
10. Sander Berge 5
Some decent moments but also some pretty frustrating ones too. With his ability levels, reputation and price tag, United would expect more from their star men in these sorts of games Photo: Tim Markland
11. Iliman Ndiaye 5.5
A degree of sympathy for Ndiaye as he tried every trick in his formidable book throughout the afternoon but it was one of those days that nothing really came off for him. To his credit he never hid from the ball and never stopped working and trying to make something happen, despite the physical attention he received from Rovers defenders from almost the first whistle Photo: Tim Markland
12. Oli McBurnie 5
A similar story to Ndiaye. Was dominant in his aerial battle against his defenders and won his fair share of flick-ons but few, if any, found Ndiaye. Some good moments of link up play and a good chance when Robinson's shot fell into his path, but he could only poke it at Pears. A late throw seemed to hit him in the face on first glance, which rather summed up United's afternoon Photo: Simon Bellis