Vladan Kovacevic

Philippe Clement backed him to get back to his best, but this was more of the same after a disappointing performance at Watford on Saturday.

Crosses have always been a weakness for the Serbian, and his lack of presence in the box gave the Blades openings time and again. Danny Ings’ poor miss from close range was one of the products, as was an improvised Tom Cannon effort that dropped wide. Add a risky second half concession of the ball to the mix and it was an evening that Kovacevic will hope to forget in a hurry. 4

Kellen Fisher

Amid a series of performances that have seen Fisher quickly get back to top form, this was the best of the lot.

Defensively he kept Callum O’Hare quiet, and on the ball he combined composure, quality and drive to bring much of the presence on City’s right-hand side. Considering the knock that he had going into the game, that’s a remarkable feat. 8

Ruairi McConville

Against a Premier League stalwart in Ings, young McConville could have been ripe for an intimidating trip to Bramall Lane. But he held his own in a strong, if imperfect, outing.

The one regret he’ll have will be allowing Ings to peel off him and tap in the opener, although before then and afterwards there was plenty of good work. Aerially, in possession and athletically the Northern Irishman impressed, belying his years. 7

Ruairi McConville (left) impressed at the back (Image: Matt Wilkinson/Focus Images Ltd)

Jakov Medic

He needed a strong performance after Saturday’s disaster cameo and that’s exactly what Medic produced.

Against United’s direct, two striker approach, he thrived, timing clearances and tackles to perfection on numerous occasions. The best of those was a last-ditch slide on Ings, although one mistimed effort led to a yellow card. 7

Tony Springett

An emblem of the availability issues Clement has had to deal with, it hasn’t been an easy environment for Springett to come into for the first time since 2023.

And even though he’s been a shadow of Lucien Mahovo or Ben Chrisene at their best, Springett has held his own. This was a slight improvement on the trip to Vicarage Road, with solid work in and out of possession.

But he was sold too easily by Tahith Chong before the goal, and that underlined his shortcomings. 5

Pelle Mattsson

A new hero of the Clement regime, Mattsson again was vital to everything good that Norwich did. The flexibility with which he goes from crunching tackles to classy passes defines his strength, and he deserved the captain’s armband given when Kenny McLean was substituted at half-time.

That armband displayed how highly his head coach rates him. A rare recruitment win for Ben Knapper, it seems. 8

Pelle Mattsson took the captain’s armband in the second half (Image: Matt Wilkinson/Focus Images Ltd)

Kenny McLean

Chris Wilder’s post-match verdict hailed McLean as a controller of the game, and he was involved throughout the first half. He wasn’t at his best on the ball, however, and that was explained by an early withdrawal with hip pain.

Another unwanted injury blow for City at a terrible time, fans will hope it’s not a serious one. 6

Jovon Makama

The 21-year-old’s presence is undeniable and earned the equaliser when he seized on a loose ball in the box and forced Djibril Soumare to find his own net. His adaptation from a wide role to a central one was also impressive.

Makama still needs to improve the consistency of his end product – a couple of low first-half crosses couldn’t find their target – but he, if not Norwich, has got time on that front. He’s doing well. 7

Jacob Wright

A peculiar fit for the ‘number 10’ role on the surface, Wright actually fulfilled it fairly well early on.

He combined well with Josh Sargent, finding his team-mate with smart flicks and clever passes. For someone so used to operating in deeper areas and with more time, he did superbly in tight spaces.

Withdrawn in the second half having ironically struggled to make the same impact in his preferred position, but he’ll be delighted to have finally got back in the XI. 7

Oscar Schwartau

More of the impressive endeavour and positivity seen from the Dane in a rapid incline since October’s East Anglian derby, but he lacked the end product he found against Watford.

On that occasion there was a goal and an assist to add to the tally – no such moments came against United despite a chance laid on by Wright in the early stages. Schwartau’s positive momentum continues though. 6

Josh Sargent

Buoyed by a first goal in 15 games, Sargent was close to getting on the scoresheet on several occasions during his side’s fervent start. In truth he probably could have done better when taking his biggest opening early and being denied by Michael Cooper.

But his substitution with a potential concussion was a massive blow, and required a lot of adapting. Clement will have his fingers crossed ahead of Southampton’s weekend visit. 7

SUBSTITUTES

Amankwah Forson (on for Sargent, 44)

That chance. That’s what his game will be remembered for, no matter the positives or negatives that came before it. When Forson charged through on goal it should have meant three points, but Cooper’s strong save denied him at a crucial time. He will have struggled to sleep last night. 4

Emiliano Marcondes (on for McLean, 45)

There was less opportunity for Marcondes to get on the ball as the game broke down in the second half, but he showed his usual work ethic and endeavour, which eventually helped get the equalising goal. 6

Ben Chrisene (on for Springett, 62)

A rusty showing from the left back on his first outing since September’s hamstring injury at Coventry, as he was exposed defensively a couple of times and looked off the pace. In possession he provided balance though, and his return is a welcome one in the long run. 5

Errol Mundle-Smith (on for Schwartau, 62)

Not lacking enthusiasm, but Mundle-Smith really struggled for quality. Still missing the confidence to take players on or commit to a chosen course of action when on the ball. Arguably should have kept up with Forson to aid him as he charged through late on. 4

Anis Ben Slimane (on for Wright, 71)

Also looked fairly rusty on his return from injury, but had a couple of decent touches. 5

Matej Jurasek (on for Makama, 83)

Given a tough task up front on his own and made little impact. 5