The Blades looked on course for a momentous first win of the season thanks to Gustavo Hamer’s strike, but Spurs equalised in the eighth minute of injury time through Richarlison before Dejan Kulusevski netted the winner three minutes later.
To compound United’s misery Oli McBurnie was sent off after picking up a second booking as United sought a way back into the game again and will now miss next weekend’s game against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane. Here’s how we rated United’s players on the whistle after a manic finish to an absorbing game of football in the capital...
5. Jack Robinson 7.5
Always looked comfortable on the ball, even when the situation looked a little dicey from United’s point of view, and defensively too - even though he might have got away with one when he tried to kick the ball against Son from a free-kick and the Spurs star tried to play on, before ref Bankes pulled back play for some reason. Couldn’t do enough to prevent Kulisevski scoring the winner | AFP via Getty Images
6. SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Luke Thomas poses for pictures at Shirecliffe Training Ground on August 30, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by SportImage/Sheffield United FC via Getty Images)
Made his full Blades debut at left-wing back but didn’t have an easy time of it against Kulusevski’s pace and power early in the game. Had much more defensively to do in the second half as Spurs attacked more down their right after the restart but what he had to do, he did well - including a superbly-timed tackle to disposes Kulusevski when anything else would have resulted in a certain Spurs penalty | Sheffield United FC via Getty Images
7. Vini Souza 6
Against a powerful Spurs side United needed a display from the big Brazilian in midfield, who had extra responsibility after Heckingbottom picked an attacking line-up with McAtee and Hamer instead of Norwood. He largely delivered save for a few moments, including one where Bissouma ghosted past him for a chance and another when he gave the ball away in a dangerous area. Took a risk by shoving over Bissouma in the Blades box but got away with it | Getty Images
8. Gus Hamer 8
Had a few bright moments early on as he looked to make something happen for the Blades but also did his share of defensive work as well to keep Spurs at bay. But when his big moment came, boy did he take it - with a lovely finish off the far post to put the Blades ahead after the ball had fallen into his path from Robinson’s long throw | Getty Images