Why Billy Sharp got the praise from Sheffield United fans after FA Cup win over Millwall

Billy Sharp of Sheffield United is challenged by Millwall goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski during the FA Cup match at The Den, London. Robin Parker/Sportimage

Sharp, enjoying his second start in a row, having played against Manchester City in midweek, came close to getting a first goal since the opening day of the season, but his all round game drew plaudits from Blades.

The captain, who has been on the radar of a number of clubs during the transfer window, contributed two assists for Mo Besic and Ollie Norwood to help book United’s place in the fifth round.

Fans shared around their positives but it was Sharp who appeared to get the lion’s share of the plaudits.

@Buntingfootball posted on twitter: “Sharp brought so many people into play today set up both goals, he made good runs into the channels, his all round play was superb”

@ColliverM said: “The Skipper was Outstanding again. Billy Sharp isn’t finished just yet. He couldn’t lift the FA Cup then retire could he?”

@SUFC_memories added: “A word on @KieronFreeman23 after this afternoons win. He was brilliant throughout both offensively and defensively in what must be a very tough season so far for him personally. Just shows the squad we have are properly together in or out of the 11.”

@AintBarrel is glad to see the skipper getting more game time: “Pleased @billysharp10 is getting a run in the side. Legend is overused these days but Billy has earned it at this club.”

@Blades_Mad posted: “A close run thing between Billy & Ollie Norwood for MOTM today. Brilliant and intelligent contributions from the skipper in both goals. Was unfortunate not to score. Ollie Norwood with an assured and controlled performance in the middle. Cracking goal”

@LWCon_86 spread the love: “Excellent win that on a tricky pitch. Second half by far better side. Billy, Mo, and Norwood excellent, as was Bash. Nice to see Osborn and Luke Freeman do ok as well. Never a bad habit to keep winning games”

@ryanmathews1893 was happy to see an old partnership reunited: “Billy Sharp was class today unlucky not to score the best part was when Clarke came on the link up play between him and Sharp was brilliant rolling back the years bringing back great memories.”

@The_Bladesman added: “Sharp and Basham sublime today. 2 great goals from Norwood and Besic. Ollie, Billy and Bash the standouts for me. Billy's hold up play was world class. Still not convinced by C Robinson and Osborn (as a LWB). Thought J Robinson was good. Who fancies a cup run?”

@josephclift said: “Very good second half that – cracker from Besic, and then a decent finish by Norwood to seal it. Thought Sharp led the line well, and Osborn did really well both halves.”

@Deadbat_DB posted: “Thoroughly professional performance at @MillwallFC Other than one early chance we controlled the game. Two lovely strikes from Besic and Norwood. Bash man of the match again. Sharp worked hard and deserved a goal. Looked gutted to miss that chance.”

And finally, @Johnstonpickle is pushing for a trip to Wembley: “I think we go for the FA cup now. Only a handful of sides better than us in the country and we’re more or less safe now.”