The Blades season got off to a poor start in front of the Sky camera's as United lost for the first time on the opening day of a campaign since 2008 when Birmingham City handed them a defeat.
Bristol City midfielder Wade Elliott struck the winner on his debut to seal a 2-1 opening-day win for his new side at Sky Bet League One promotion favourites Sheffield United. Aaron Wilbraham was the star of the show for the visitors, scoring one and creating another, either side of another debut goal, with Michael Higdon heading an equaliser for Nigel Clough's side. The Blades created numerous opportunities and twice saw Jamie Murphy have shots cleared-off the goal line, but Elliott's second-half goal proved decisive.
This match, between two teams harbouring genuine ambitions of promotion, began at a predictably furious pace with Murphy, Bob Harris and Ryan Flynn all going close. City's defence appeared shaky but going forward they posed a far greater threat with Aaron Wilbraham heading them in front after 20 minutes from Mark Little's cross. Higdon, who had arrived at Bramall Lane from NEC Nijmegen earlier in the week, continued to cause all sorts of problems and so it was no surprise to see him draw the Blades level 11 minutes later when he met Ben Davies' set-piece.
That was the signal for United to move through the gears and, after having a shot cleared off the line by Aden Flint, Stefan Scougall should have edged them into the lead just before the interval but instead headed over the crossbar. Home goalkeeper Mark Howard, who had tried desperately to claw Wilbraham's effort away to safety, smothered attempts from both Sam Baldock and Luke Freeman at the start of the second half. But City was not to be denied and an excellent move, started by Derrick Williams and continued by Wilbraham, ended with Elliott firing home across Howard with 18 minutes remaining. Murphy thought he had secured United a point during a late scramble in the visitors' penalty area, but Flint acrobatically cleared off the line again.
United are expected to line-up with a fully fit squad to face Bristol City this weekend, although they will be without forgotten Belgian midfielder Florent Cuvelier (ligaments) through injury. He was injured whilst on loan at Port Vale last season.
Mansfield Town opened their League Two campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Chris Wilder's Northampton Town - Kaid Mohamed's first half strike was enough to set aside the two teams and earn the Cobblers a first day victory. Meanwhile Stags boss Paul Cox is expected to name a fully fit side to face the Blades tonight.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1 Mansfield Town 0