Manchester United v Sheffield United - Aaron Ramsdale hopes for a happier chat with Marcus Rashford

The record books will denote that Sheffield United suffered their 12th defeat in 13 Premier League matches in 2020-21 by way of a 3-2 defeat at Bramall Lane on a night when Rashford fired two goals past Blades goalkeeper Ramsdale.

It was a touch of class which had nothing to do with the game that Ramsdale will always recall.

Speaking ahead of the reverse fixture at Old Trafford this evening, Ramsdale’s take-away involved Rashford taking the time to strike up a conversation afterwards and the discussion was nothing to do with the match.

A brilliant footballer he may be, but Rashford’s biggest gift is perhaps being generous in giving his time to other people.

The young Mancunian has transcended sport in his role as an internationally recognised social justice campaigner on child food poverty. He is the antithesis to the hackneyed talk about footballers being purely in it for themselves.

His chat with Ramsdale – who has had it tough this season – meant a lot, though if the pair talk again after tonight’s game, the visiting custodian would prefer to be doing it off the back of a different result for his club.

Ramsdale said: “With the game against Man United in December, me and Marcus had a conversation at the end and spoke about my family and his and what he is doing for the country.

“To be honest, me and Marcus do not know each other too well, so for him to ask about my mum and dad was a lovely gesture and one you can take something from even though he is an opponent – and he scored two past me.

“His humility shone through.”

Quite often unfairly, footballers have received some bad press over the past year in particular.

It is small wonder that many stand up for each other. In truth, it is something that the goalkeepers’ union, whom Ramsdale is a member of, have always done. You look after your own.

In its own way, it has helped the 22-year-old cope with a difficult time in his career.

He said: “Two or three minutes of their time can be invaluable for young goalkeepers. I have taken a lot from Ben Foster, even if it is from his YouTube channel and he is talking about cycling.

“It is something I could look into potentially getting into, to take my mind off football. Or release the pressures and aid recovery.

“When you play against goalkeepers, it is very easy to chat with them, even if you have never met them before. We know each other without knowing each other and it’s a very specialised place. We all stand on the 18-yard line with our gloves on and a different coloured shirt to everyone else.

“The other week when we played Tottenham, I saw Joe Hart and had a good chat and every now and again, you will receive a direct message from someone.

“When you see them, it is very easy to have a chat and many of these goalkeepers are very experienced. When I go to England training with the under-20s or 21s, Tom Heaton always stops you in the corridor and you have a coffee and chat about things.”

It also says everything about the Stoke-on-Trent-born Ramsdale, who returned for a second spell at United in the close season, that instead of hiding away after a mistake in the FA Cup win over Plymouth, he has fronted up.

Earlier this season, a figure whom Ramsdale looks up to in Foster faced the music after a high-profile mistake for Watford in their loss at Huddersfield Town.

A few seasons ago, another ex-England No 1 in Jack Butland did exactly that following an error in a Carabao Cup game for Stoke City at Leeds United.

He also had the character to take a penalty in a shoot-out and speak to the press afterwards.

Ramsdale’s candour in speaking ahead of tonight’s game is also admirable. It has been a season which has hurt him personally, given his connection with a club that will always mean something whatever happens in the rest of his career.

The absence of fans has made it stranger and even more disconcerting for him. In his two spells with the Blades, he has yet to play in front of a decent crowd.

He said: “It is difficult. I do care and am very emotionally connected with the club. My performances or the team’s and the position we’re in takes an effect.

“It is probably something I could have dealt with better and I have put too much pressure on my shoulders and taken it as fans do and you take it home with you and it dwells on you too long.

“It is because this club does things like that to you and it is when you need fans in the stadium to get that passion and emotion out.”

Last six games: Manchester United LWWDWW; Sheffield United LLWWLW.

Referee: P Bankes (Merseyside).

Last time: Manchester United 3 Sheffield United 0, June 24, 2020; Premier League.

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