The Blades took a shock lead after only 13 minutes against Manchester United on Saturday but were eventually beaten 2-1 by the league leaders. Keith Gillespie scored his first goal for the Blades against his former club before a brace from Rooney gave Manchester United all three points.
A packed Bramall Lane roared the home side on in the opening few minutes of the game as each side won a corner, only to see them headed clear by the opposition defence. The first real opportunity of the match fell to Gary Neville, who dispossessed Kazim-Richards on the edge of the box but then hit his shot at the feet of Kenny who kicked the ball to safety.
The vociferous home support did not have long to wait to see their own side`s first real chance. Kazim-Richards and Geary linked up well on the wing and as the latter crossed to Gillespie the winger deftly guided his header passed Van Der Sar and in to the far corner of the net. It was a moment of sheer joy for both Gillespie and 30,000 United fans, as Bramall Lane erupted.
The Blades almost went from joy to despair minutes later when Kenny brilliantly pushed away a Rooney header and Kozluck put the loose ball out for a corner. Manchester United started to impose themselves more and more on the game and had a penalty appeal waved away when Saha fell from a Kozluck challenge. It was certainly a clumsy challenge from the defender but why five Man Utd players had to surround the referee is beyond me. Somehow only Giggs got booked for his remonstrations.
Manchester United could have been level earlier had Davis not superbly blocked a Giggs cross and then a Saha shot. As it was, they took just two minutes longer to find the net. Kazim-Richards, not for the first time in the game, gave Neville far too much space on the wing and the defenders cross found Rooney who took one touch to control and another to slam the ball past Kenny.
It would have been unfair, but the Blades could have been behind at the interval had the referee awarded Manchester United a second penalty shout. This time Scholes appealed for a push as he jumped for the ball but the referee fairly waved play on, as the cross sailed out of a play, much to the annoyance of a team who are used to getting things their own way. The referee appeared to even things up minutes later though by allowing Giggs, who was already carded, to get away without a booking for a late challenge on Law.
The Blades had the first real chance of the second half as Hulse turned neatly on the edge of the box but hit his shot over the bar. Manchester United were again dominating play though as Rooney and Ronaldo put shots wide.
The Blades resistance finally crumbled with only 15 minutes to go. Evra’s cross was misjudged by Davis, allowing Rooney to volley past Kenny. The goal was heartbreak for United’s players and fans alike, especially as they had held out for so long against the league leaders.
The Blades refused to lie down though as a Hulse header was clutched by Van Der Sar. However, Manchester United could have stretched their lead further in the closing minutes as Ronaldo hit the bar and Scholes had his shot cleared off the line from the rebound.
With only three minutes left Blades fans did have something to cheer about as Ronaldo inadvertently nominated himself for miss of the season. A sublime backheel from Rooney found Giggs in the box and his cross was somehow scooped over by Ronaldo from only four yards out with the goal at his mercy.
For all of United’s effort and endeavour the final whistle saw them slip back into the bottom three, while their Manchester counterparts maintained their three point lead at the top. In reflection, Gillespie’s goal gave the Blades a dream start but Manchester United dominated the game from then on. Sheffield United’s effort and spirit throughout the game was second to none though and, although the result may not have been what the Blades wanted, the performance did their reputation no harm at all.
Player Ratings
Kenny
7/10
Produced two great saves for the second week running but his kicking, at times, was awful.
Kozluck
7/10
Dealt as well as could be expected with Giggs and Ronaldo.
Davis
6.5/10
Made some great blocks and interceptions but was at fault to some extent for both goals.
Jagielka
7.5/10
Continued his impressive form at the back and cleared well off the line from Scholes.
Geary
7/10
Same as Kozluck and put in great cross for Gillespie goal.
Leigertwood
7/10
Battled well in midfield and tried to use the ball as much as he could.
Law
6.5/10
An impressive debut from youngster Nicky Law against tough opposition. Didn’t look out of place.
Gillespie
7/10
Took his goal brilliantly and caused fullbacks problems.
Quinn
6/10
Feel like I’m repeating myself each week with Quinn. Got forward well, but once AGAIN lost the ball too often.
Hulse
6.5/10
One of Hulse’s quieter games. Still kept ball well when he had it.
Kazim-Richards
6/10
Had a hand in both ours and Man Utd’s first goals but could have got involved more.
Nade
6.5/10
Won a few headers but had no chances in front of goal.
Kabba
6/10
Only had five minutes on the pitch and had little impact.