Sheffield United 0 Southampton 2 - player ratings

Their cause is basically lost and they are badly depleted by injuries and suspension, but the encouragement of a midweek victory over Aston Villa was washed by a display much worse than the 2-0 scoreline suggested.

Chief football writer Stuart Rayner looks at how each player performed.

Aaron Ramsdale – given plenty of opportunity to show what he could do by the defence in front of him and made some good second-half saves 8

George Baldock – did well to deny Che Adams in the first half but he was part of a very vulnerable-looking defence not helped by those in front 6

Ethan Amapdu – a good tackle on Ryan Bertrand, then a poor one on Nathan Tella to concede the penalty – the loanee's Sheffield United career has been a bit like that 5

Kean Bryan – over-run in the second half 5

Jayden Bogle – Chris Wilder shuffled the side to accommodate his return but he was unable to have an impact 6

John Lundstram – a really poor display from the Blades midfielder 4

Oliver Norwood – played one nice pass to set off an attack down the right, but did not do enough as in too many games this season, and was withdrawn at half-time 5

John Fleck – played a couple of good balls in the first half only to see his targets offside. A second-half tackle enraged the Saints and earned him a booking 6

Enda Stevens – had a header wide around the hour mark, one of the last times his team threatened 6

David McGoldrick – the captain looked threatening dropping off the front but was unable to make anything of it, having a chip saved 6

Rhian Brewster – no lack of effort but he once more struggled to make an impact in his tough debut season 5.

Substitutes:

Oli McBurnie (for Norwood, 46) – started at centre-forward, quickly dropped into the hole, but with his side unable to keep the ball, there was always a limit to what he could do 5

Lys Mousset (for McGoldrick, 58) – paused to think about a second-half cross, them blazed it beyond his team-mates anyway 5

Billy Sharp (for Brewster, 68) – none of the substitutes could really have been expected to change things 5.

Not used: Lowe, Burke, Foderingham, Osborn, Ndiaye, Maguire.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.