After starting the game on the back foot, United looked reinvigorated in the second half as Ndiaye gave the Blades the lead early in the first half and they ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
My Player Ratings
Wes Foderingham 6:
Foderingham had the woodwork to thank, twice. Though he did relieve pressure on the backline by coming out and claiming crosses at the high point. He made a couple of routine saves as well.
Chris Basham 6:
He was drawn out of the backline too easily at times which disjointed the shape and led to space down the right but he defended the box well, and his build-up play improved as the game went on.
John Egan 7:
Another game where he had to command his players and take charge of his box, and he did it with success. He made several key clearances when United was under siege.
Jack Robinson 8:
Robinson returned to the side and added much-needed balance to the back line. His defensively solid presence stabilised United and he made a vital interception at one stage. He was strong – and first – in the duels.
George Baldock 8:
He played a part in United’s goal, and he also denied a goal as he made a crucial block at the back post to deny Wells. His energy up and down the flank is a huge plus in games like Tuesday nights.
Ben Osborn 4:
Didn’t like how Osborn was playing man-to-man against Wiemann, even from deep positions. A lot of Bristol City’s attacks were down to Osborn creating space for them, rather than having to work to create it.
Oliver Norwood 5:
United tried to but they couldn’t get him in the game which was a contributing factor in the Blades being poor for most of their possessions. He played a part in the goal, and he could’ve had a goal for himself late on.
John Fleck 5:
Like Norwood, United couldn’t get him in the game. The midfield offered minimal contribution for large parts of the match. Fleck was dribbled past too easily in the first half, he should’ve been much stronger.
Iliman Ndiaye 7:
Once again contributing to United’s goals. The only bright spark in attack for United, but because of a lack of dominance in the game we didn’t see the best of his talents. Another maximum effort performance from him again.
Reda Khadra 4:
Was subbed for tactical reasons on 30 minutes but he did nothing when he had the ball – neither did the others. Could be a huge confidence blow for the loanee.
Billy Sharp 4:
Had a great opportunity to score in a poor first half, but his header lacked conviction. His chance equated to 0.3 xG – which is essentially defined as a clear-cut chance. He failed to hold the ball up well enough, again.
Subs
McAtee 7 (Khadra, 34)
Stevens 5 (Fleck, 65)
McBurnie 5 (Sharp, 65)
Clark 5 (Basham, 78)