A few new faces were on show including former England captain Bryan Robson taking the reins in his first competitive Blades game. £4m striker James Beattie and Blade himself Billy Sharp paired up front to create the new partnership. Scottish international Gary Naysmith and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie also made their first debut's for the club.
James Beattie and Michael Tonge were on target for the Blades but those two goals were cancelled out by McLeod and Platt for the U's.
The 1st round of the Carling Cup was made and it threw up a local derby with Chesterfield for United. A Jon Stead brace and a first goal of the season for Danny Webber was on cards for the Blades. Former United player Jack Lester got the only goal for Chesterfield in the 3:1 win to the Blades.
The first away fixture of the season saw United take trip to relegation friends Watford. Williamson's strike took all three points for the Hornets.
A James Beattie header ensured United picked up their first three points of the season against West Brom. The 2nd round of the Carling Cup saw Robson's Blades take on Paul Ince's League 2 side MK Dons. Unusual goalscorers Nicky Law and Chris Lucketti got on the goalscorers sheet for the Blades. Those were cancelled out by Broughton and McGovern so the game went to extra time.
After both teams received 50% of possession each a winner was just around the corner for one of them. Geoff Horsefield scored his first goal in a red and white shirt on 104 minutes and rewarded the Blades with a place in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup.