Ikeme has only just completed a loan spell at Charlton Atheltic where he was between the sticks five times. The 23-year-old will stay with the Blades until the end of the current calendar year, likewise for United's on loan shot-stopper Mark Bunn.
Kevin Blackwell said: "With Ian Bennett out for an indeterminate amount of time we had no other goalkeeper at the Club apart from Mark Bunn. With seven games between now and the New Year I couldn't afford to go into that period without another one in.
"Goalkeeping coach Andy Leaning and I have watched him a couple of times recently and of the keepers available he came out top as far as we are concerned.
"He is involved straight away and I have told him and 'Bunny' that they have to fight out the number one spot and prove to me that they deserve it."
Ikeme is fit and available for Saturday's clash down at Bristol City.