Sheffield United started the month of September by allowing Simon Walton to return to his parent club Plymouth Argyle; the midfielder was severally injured in pre-season, lasting just 45 minutes at Mansfield Town despite being on a season’s long loan.
The Under 18’s and reserves were in action before the first team had the opportunity to kick a ball in anger; they had ended August with a 1-0 win over Preston North End and continued that run with victory at Pride Park.
Richard Cresswell got off the mark for the season, netting 15 minutes into the game in a match which United always looked liked winning.
A few days later the club held a ‘meet the manager’ event which allowed a selection of season ticket holders to meet and greet Gary Speed; Trevor Birch, captain Chris Morgan and Leon Britton were also in attendance as fans were allowed to ask questions to the trio.
United were involved in a ‘bizarre’ fixture when they entertained Scunthorpe United at Bramall Lane on a Tuesday night. The visitors came away with a 4-0 victory; former Blade Jonathan Forte running the show for the Iron despite failing to get on the score sheet.
However this defeat wasn’t though a poor performance by the Cutlers; in fact it was arguably their best performance yet but woeful decisions by the match officials led to a defeat for the Blades.
The Under 18’s drew with Manchester United on the same day a Ched Evans free-kick blasted into the net to hand the Blades a 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Portsmouth.