30th November United boss Neil Warnock has backed Arsene Wenger's complaints about the fixture list leading up to Christmas. The Blades take on a Charlton side this weekend who were not involved in midweek action - while their opponents were taking part in a bruising encounter against fellow strugglers Watford at Vicarage Road. The Hornets themselves enjoyed the previous weekend off - and after Wenger described Arsenal's fixture programme as a "farce", Warnock had a certain degree of sympathy. "I don't understand the fixture list. We have to play three times in a week, Watford didn't play at all last weekend and Charlton haven't played this week. For once I am in agreement with Arsene Wenger about something," said Warnock. "It's bizarre, we've got 10 days off after our game on Saturday." Warnock was amazed how the fixtures could be so seemingly muddled when the fixture planners have modern technology at their disposal, but joked: "That's modern technology for you. If you can't get cameras across the goal-lines we haven't got much chance of doing anything else when we've got men on the moon have we?" Warnock insisted his club were now in a crucial part of their season as they prepare for the visit of the Addicks. "We always knew after the Manchester United game that every game up to Christmas is winnable and I'm sure teams playing against us think the same," added Warnock. "We are playing good football. We will get kicked in the teeth like we did at West Ham but we came back well and we had to stand up to a lot of intimidation at Watford. "Charlton have some top-class players and our fans will play a big part this week."

28th November Neil Warnock was in ebullient mood after United claimed a late win at Watford. The game seemed to be heading sfor a draw, only for Danny Webber to pop up with the winner two minutes from time. Warnock was thrilled with the display from his side and felt victory was crucial to their hopes of avoiding the drop. "What a game!" he said on Sky Sports. "How did we not score before we did? "We defended fantastic. It was a physical battle and we overcame that, but after the break we came out and created chances. "We hit the post twice, but I thought the goal wasn't going to come and fortunately Danny was there at the right time. "It was a great team effort. I thought Morgs (Chris Morgan), I thought he epitomised the whole team tonight. "We were determined tonight and I think we showed that. "It was the biggest game of the season. It was not just another game. If we want to stay in the Premiership, we needed to win tonight. "It was absolutely fantastic to come away with the three points. "I thought we were magnificent. I mentioned Morgan, but I thought the full-backs, Geary and Kozluk, were superb. "I thought (Leigh) Bromby when he came on grew up. At our place, Henderson battered Bromby, but he came on and stood up." Warnock was decidedly unimpressed by Watford's ball boys, who chose to towel down the ball for the home side. "It was a disgrace," he added. "If they had told us we could use the towels, we would have used them. "I took the mickey by bringing my own towel out in the second half. "It's just a joke, you can't do things like that in the Premier League."

28th November Watford 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 18,887)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Davis (Bromby 30), Geary, Gillespie, Leigertwood, Jagielka, Alan Quinn (Kazim-Richards 83), Hulse, Nade (Webber 73).
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Law.

Booked: Kozluk 33.

Scorer: Webber 88

Man of the Match: Chris Morgan.

Watford Line-up: Lee, Chambers, Mackay, DeMerit, Powell, Spring (Doyley 46), Francis, Mahon, McNamee (Shittu 72), Smith, Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Stewart, Priskin.

Booked: Mahon 16, Henderson 63, Powell 87.

Sent Off: Powell 90.

United boosted their hopes of avoiding the relegation battle later in the season by claiming a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Watford. The two sides started the game in the drop zone, but Blades striker Danny Webber climbed off the bench to net the winner with two minutes remaining. The Blades were the better side after the interval, but did not look like scoring until Webber netted from close range. Watford can count themselves a little unlucky, though, as Webber appeared to be in an offside position when turning home and they could have been handed a late penalty for a handball by Rob Kozluk. That said, united were unlucky at West Ham last week, when a late decision went against them, so finally it appears a refereeing error has gone in United’s favour! – something which doesn’t seem to happen too often in the Premiership for the Blades. Chances were few and far between in a game not short on perspiration, but lacking inspiration on an admittedly difficult pitch. Tommy Smith fired in the first effort of the match when shooting just over the bar from 20 yards, while the Blades' first chance came from a free-kick which Alan Quinn curled just too high. Watford pride themselves on their strength from set-pieces, a fact emphasised by their team of ball boys and girls being sent out armed with towels to dry the ball. It was a corner rather than a throw-in which handed Watford their best chance of the first half. Darius Henderson found space at the back post and controlled superbly before fizzing a shot through a crowd of players. Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny did not see the ball until late, but showed good reflexes as he plunged to his right to keep out the goal-bound effort. After Watford failed to clear their lines from a free kick, the ball was lofted into the path of Christian Nade but he shinned his effort wide under pressure from Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee. Less than a minute after the restart, he slipped away from Malky MacKay but, with Keith Gillespie unmarked in the centre he rashly drove the ball across the box and out for a goal kick. And, two minutes later, he thumped a header against the post from six yards when it might have been easier to score. Nade again left manager Neil Warnock tearing his hair out just past the hour, as he thrashed wildly over the bar after being teed up by Gillespie. United came close to edging ahead 15 minutes from time, but Jay DeMerit did enough to force striker Rob Hulse to turn his shot onto a post after The Hornets failed to clear a free kick. Warnock pulled off Nade 17 minutes from time and it proved a tactical masterstroke, as his replacement Webber headed home the winner from two yards. There was a touch of controversy, though, as he appeared to be stood in an offside position when heading home after Lee had pushed Chris Morgan's header against the bar. Watford came out of their shell after going behind and could have had a penalty as Kozluk appeared to handle in the box, but they failed to find a leveller and finished the game with ten men, as Chris Powell saw red in injury time.

27th November Manager Neil Warnock has called for the introduction of video technology in a bid to help referees. Warnock believes injustices sufferd by United could have been avoided if the referee had access to video technology. The Blades boss was far from happy with the performance of referee Mike Riley, who ruled out a late equaliser at West Ham on Saturday, claiming that the goal would have stood if technology was utilized correctly. Warnock was so incensed by the decision, he thought it necessary to leave a message on the mobile of referees' chief Keith Hackett calling for answers. Warnock said: "Let me put it this way, we would have got a point on Saturday if there had been video technology. That's a cert. "It's definitely time it was introduced. Unfortunately for Keith, the referees aren't good enough without technology to make the decisions that count. "It's no coincidence this season that there have been so many (bad decisions). But we have technology in cricket, rugby and tennis. Wimbledon can detect if a ball is in or out that's travelling at 100mph. "I think in football they (FIFA) are loathe to do it because they feel human mistakes make the game what it is. That's rubbish. Having said that, we haven't a cat in hell's chance of bringing in technology for decisions like Saturday," he added.

25th November West Ham United 1 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 34,454)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Jagielka, Davis, Geary, Gillespie (Kazim-Richards 76), Law , Leigertwood, Alan Quinn (Nade 59), Montgomery (Kabba 59), Hulse.
Subs Not Used: Bromby, Morgan.

Booked: Montgomery 29, Hulse 58, Gillespie 58, Kozluk 66.

Man of the Match: Claude Davis

West Ham Line-up: reen, Spector, Ferdinand, Gabbidon (McCartney 64), Konchesky, Bowyer, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Zamora (Harewood 73), Tevez (Sheringham 66).
Subs Not Used: Kiraly, Benayoun.

Booked: Mullins 83, Bowyer 86.

Scorer: Mullins 36.

West Ham gave chairman-elect Eggert Magnusson the perfect welcome present with a battling win over Sheffield United. The President of the Icelandic FA, whose consortium purchased The Hammers in an ?85 million deal, saw Hayden Mullins' first half header earn all three points in an even contest at Upton Park. The result was a little harsh on the Blades who did enough to earn a point but the defeat sees them remain in the bottom three. Substitute Christian Nade missed a couple of excellent opportunities as United pressed in the second period while Nicky Law also squandered a good opportunity. The Blades had the ball in the net in stoppage time but referee Mike Riley blew for pushing to prompt on-pitch protests by Neil Warnock and his players at the final whistle. Earlier, Warnock's increasing frustration saw Riley step across to the touchline to lecture the Blades boss as his temper threatened to boil over. Another to suffer a frustrating afternoon was Carlos Tevez. The Argentine missed an early chance for the Hammers after controlling Jon Spector's long ball but his shot went wide of the near post. A couple of sweeping passes aside, the World Cup star did little and was taken off late on to be replaced by Teddy Sheringham. Tevez was well-marshalled throughout by Claude Davis and it was the Blades centre-back who came close to breaking the deadlock on 20 minutes when his header from Keith Gillespie's corner was ushered around the post by Paul Konchesky. Gillespie provided much of the Blades ammunition throughout with his work down the right but his crosses failed to create a breakthrough. The Hammers opened the scoring on 36 minutes when Mullins headed in Etherington's corner. Just moments earlier, Lee Bowyer was denied an opener by Rob Kozluk's last-ditch block after Bobby Zamora had muscled his way into the Blades penalty area. The Blades looked for an early reply but Davis was penalised for pushing before Rob Hulse could turn the ball into the net. In the second period, United did much of the pressing without reward but were pepped up when Nade was thrown into the attack in place of Nick Montgomery after 59 minutes. The substitute came close to an immediate impact only to be denied by Danny Gabbidon's sliding tackle. Nade had another opportunity soon after but the summer signing from Troyes could only guide Gillespie's cross wide. The Blades continued to press and Law missed another great chance to equalise but scuffed his shot narrowly wide under pressure. The Hammers brought on Sheringham for Tevez in an attempt to regain the ascendancy but it was the blades who continued to look the likelier scorers with Davis' header well saved by Robert Green. In stoppage time the Blades finally hit the back of the net when Kozluk headed an equaliser in injury time, only for the referee to disallow the goal for an apparent foul on Hammers keeper Rob Green, who came through a crowd of players to clear Mikele Leigertwood's hopeful punt into the box.

24th November Boss Neil Warnock has revealed he would have no objections to a foreign takeover at Bramall Lane. Saturday's opponents West Ham this week became the latest Premier League club to be bought out by overseas investors. A consortium led by Eggert Magnusson, the current president of the Icelandic Football Association, completed an ?85million acquisition of the Upton Park club. It would appear such business deals are becoming fashionable as Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Fulham are also in foreign hands. Eyebrows have naturally been raised, primarily by FIFA president Sepp Blatter who expressed his concerns at the growing trend in this country of Premiership clubs falling into foreign hands. Yet Warnock can understand the attraction as he said: "It's such an exciting league, the greatest in the world. "If some Icelandics, Israelis, Hindus or whatever wanted to come and buy this club, or wanted to put money in, then I'm sure (chairman) Kevin McCabe would welcome them with open arms. "I don't think it's a money-gaining experience, but these people are businessmen and they see things that other people don't. "The best thing from (West Ham boss) Alan Pardew's point of view is that this is a consortium he welcomes, and now he can get on with his job. "He has had a rough time these past few months when you consider what he has done for the club." The question remains, though, as to whether people like Magnusson, the Glazers at Manchester United and Randy Lerner at Villa have their heart in their club. "I don't think that's important," added Warnock. "These people will want to do well, although I'm not saying every consortium has come up with the right idea. "In West Ham's case, this group probably wasn't the one they thought would end up with the club. "But from the outside it's probably the best one for the club, the manager and the team."

23rd November Hull's loan move for Sheffield United striker Neil Shipperley has fallen through. The Blades striker had agreed a deal to stay at Hull City until January 1, with the option of a permanent transfer to follow. However, Shipperley has failed to shake off a calf strain and will not now be able to join the struggling Tigers. "We knew he had a calf problem when he came here earlier in the week, but a scan today revealed it was a lot worse than we thought," said Hull boss Phil Parkinson. "We were therefore unable to sign him, which was disappointing for Neil and ourselves." Parkinson had been looking to sign Shipperley as cover for top scorer Jon Parkin, who underwent keyhole surgery this week and is set to be sidelined until the New Year.

23rd November Defender David Unsworth insists there has been no fall-out with manager Neil Warnock. After starting the first five matches of the season, Unsworth has not even been on the bench since a 2-1 defeat to Reading at Bramall Lane on September 16. That led to the 33-year-old becoming one of four Blades players to have his name circulated to the Football League clubs earlier this week by Warnock ahead of today's loan deadline. Unsworth, though, is determined to fight for his place as he told the Sheffield Star: "I still want to play because I enjoy being a part of things here. "I can categorically say that there has been no argument with the gaffer, nothing like that whatsoever, and obviously I want to get back in - it's a lot better than playing for the reserves. "If I did have to leave, I can honestly say it would be reluctantly because we've a smashing bunch of lads."

22nd November United have confirmed that striker Neil Shipperley is in talks with Hull City, while another Championship club wants Alan Wright. Both Blades players are in discussions with a view to loan moves. Shipperley, 32, is speaking with Phil Parkinson's Tigers with 35-year-old Wright - who has already had spells with Derby and Leeds this year - negotiating with an unnamed outfit, with talks concerning deals running until the New Year. Wright and Shipperley were listed for loan earlier this week along with defenders David Unsworth and Chris Lucketti. The names of the quartet have been circulated to Football League clubs ahead of Thursday's deadline for loan transfers.

20th November Keith Gillespie is desperate to stay on the goal trail after opening his Sheffield United account against Manchester United. Gillespie handed the Blades a shock lead against the club where he started his career, before Wayne Rooney's brace gave the visitors the spoils. But after relying on Rob Hulse for all their goals in the early part of the season, Gillespie is just pleased the goals are being shared about. He told the Sheffield Star: "I've always said it is important that we start sharing the goals around because we can't keep relying on Rob to get them for us. "But we had Colin Kazim-Richards getting one last week and Danny Webber up at Newcastle. I'm not exactly known for scoring too many, especially in recent years and definitely not with my head, but I want to contribute in that area too. "It's something we've been working hard on in training and hopefully we're starting to see the benefits of that now."

18th November Sheffield United 1 Manchester United 2 (Attendance: 32,584)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Davis, Jagielka, Geary, Gillespie, Law ,
Leigertwood, Alan Quinn (Kabba 86), Kazim-Richards (Nade 79), Hulse.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Sommeil, Montgomery.

Booked: Gillespie 47.

Scorer: Gillespie 13.

Man of the Match: Phil Jagielka.

Man Utd Line-up: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Heinze 80),
Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Fletcher, Silvestre.

Booked: Giggs 26.

Scorer: Rooney 30, 75.

Wayne Rooney inspired Manchester United to a seventh successive Premiership win as they came from behind to beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane. Keith Gillespie stunned the league leaders with the opening goal against his old club, but Rooney drew United level before the break. Rooney grabbed the winner for United 15 minutes from time to complete a good week for the England star after he scored for his country in midweek. The Blades almost gifted the Red Devils the lead on ten minutes when Colin Kazim-Richards made a mess of cutting out a Ryan Giggs pass, allowing Gary Neville a clear run on goal, but luckily for Kazim-Richards, Paddy Kenny kept out the shot with his legs. After 13 minutes, the Blades stunned Sir Alex Ferguson's men when they broke the deadlock through winger Gillespie. Derek Geary sent over a deep cross to the far post and Gillespie lost his marker Patrice Evra before superbly heading the ball back across Edwin van der Sar and into the far corner. Manchester United almost hit back two minutes later when Rooney glanced Neville's cross goalwards, but Kenny produced a superb save to claw the striker's header away from goal. The Manchester United players wanted a penalty on 26 minutes when Rob Kozluk appeared to barge Louis Saha in the back inside the box, but the referee rejected their appeals. Nemanja Vidic tried his luck on 27 minutes with an ambitious effort from fully 40 yards which flew harmlessly over the top much to the amusement of the Lane fans. The Blades survived a scare on 28 minutes when Giggs just failed to control Rooney's superb pass inside the box and when the ball fell to Saha, Claude Davis threw his large frame at the ball to block the Frenchman's shot. Manchester United drew level on the half hour with a superb strike from Rooney as he notched his sixth Premiership goal of the season. Neville picked out Rooney's run into the box and the England international brilliantly controlled the ball before volleying home from six yards out. Saha wasted a great opening on 35 minutes when he tricked his way past Davis down the right, but his cut-back failed to pick out any Man Utd players in the box. The Red Devils had penalty appeals waved away again four minutes before the break when Scholes went down easliy in the box under Alan Quinn's challenge as he tried to get on the end of Giggs' cross. The Blades came out for the second half in determined fashion and Rob Hulse had the first chance of the second period when he volleyed over the top from the edge of the area on 53 minutes. Rooney made space for himself on the edge of the box on 55 minutes, but he drove his shot well over the top. Minutes later Kozluk came to the Blades' rescue when he produced a last-ditch tackle to prevent Giggs getting through from Rooney's reverse pass and when the ball fell to Ronaldo he sliced his shot horribly wide. Manchester United continued to push forward in search of a goal and Scholes saw a deflected shot fly down the throat of Kenny. It was a real backs to the wall job for the Blades defence and the impressive Phil Jagielka made a vital interception to deny Saha getting on the end of Giggs' cross right in front of goal. Kenny had a lucky escape on 73 minutes when he made a mess of a cross from Giggs and he was relieved to see Geary on hand to clear the danger. Manchester United finally made their domination count 15 minutes from time when Rooney broke the Lane resistance. Evra flung over a cross from the left and Rooney brilliantly arrowed his volley across Kenny to spark wild celebrations among the visiting fans. Two minutes later Ronaldo should have added a third when he got on the end of Giggs' cross right in front of goal, but he shot wide of the target. Hulse had a half chance for the Blades nine minutes from time when he rose highest to meet Gillespie's free kick, but he could only head straight at Van der Sar. Ronaldo was unlucky not to score on 84 minutes when he headed Giggs' cross against the crossbar and Scholes looked certain to score from the rebound only for Jagielka to get back to clear his shot off the line. Manchester United continued to pepper United's goal and Saha was kept out by a superb save from Kenny two minutes from time. A minute later Ronaldo served up a contender for miss of the season when Giggs laid the goal on a plate for him, but the Portuguese star from just six yards out scooped his shot over the crossbar, much to the delight of the Bramall Lane crowd.

16th November Neil Warnock has branded his misbehaving players as "thick" after goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had his eyebrow bitten at an Indian restaurant. Kenny was taken to hospital and needed stitches above his left eye. Warnock insists there is no discipline problem at Bramall Lane but added: "It's the players who are thick who are causing the problems. They are not going to get their brains back, that's for sure." Kenny became embroiled in a brawl with a friend outside a curry house in Halifax in the early hours of Monday. The latest revelation comes a week after midfielder Alan Quinn paid out 2,000 pounds after admitting being involved in a fight which left someone needing hospital treatment. Last month, there were allegations that defender Claude Davis had threatened striker Ade Akinbiyi with a cut-throat razor during a training ground bust-up. Although Akinbiyi refused to confirm or deny whether Davis had used the razor, he did concede there had been "argy-bargy". The club refused to comment at the time. When asked if there was a discipline issue at the club, Warnock replied: "I don't think so. "But the lads have to learn, if you are a professional footballer in the Premier League then you are news. "There are only Paddy and Alan who have got involved in problems, and they should have been avoided.

12th November Neil Warnock has slammed Steve Staunton's decision not to select Paddy Kenny for the Republic of Ireland squad. Staunton cited 'personal difficulties' as his reason for leaving Kenny out of the 23-man party to face San Marino in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday. However, Warnock claims Kenny is far from happy with Staunton, believing he should be on his way to Dublin on Sunday to link up with his Ireland team-mates. Kenny certainly produced a convincing display in Saturday's 2-2 Premiership draw with Bolton at the Lane. In particular, the Blades number one conjured up two stunning saves at the end of each half to deny Idan Tal and Abdoulaye Faye. "We have seen two world-class saves by somebody who cannot get into the Ireland squad," remarked Warnock. "It is no wonder Paddy was disappointed, but I have told him to play his own game and that I am sure there will be a time when he will be needed again. "I thought he was superb today in difficult conditions, and although he made a mistake a couple of weeks ago in the defeat at Chelsea, other than that he has had a good season. "He has had personal problems, but he has come through those well, and if I am honest I am disappointed he has not been selected for Ireland because I think he deserves it." In referring to Staunton's explanation, Warnock added: "I don't think the decision was viable. "When they told him I think they said things to him about his personal problems that he didn't believe. "He would rather be playing. He wants to go, of course he does. "If anything happens to Shay Given then there is nobody better than Paddy Kenny." When pressed on Staunton's reasoning regarding the personal problems, Warnock added: "That's rubbish, and Paddy has said he doesn't accept that. "He just wants to play and he is disappointed he is not in the squad, and quite rightly so."

11th November Neil Warnock has praised his players attitude after seeing them come from behind to claim a draw against Bolton. The Trotters looked like going away from Bramall Lane with all three points with goals either side of half time. However, Rob Hulse began the comeback on 70 minutes and Colin Kazim-Richards netted three minutes later to pick up a point. "We don't know when we're beaten," Warnock told Sky Sports. "99.9 percent of the people in the ground at 2-0 thought that's it. "But we don't know when we're beaten, we've got a great attitude and you can see that. "We don't roll over, we just grit our teeth and come back."

Warnock was particularly pleased after losing key defender Claude Davis to injury prior to kick-off. "We had another disappointment before the game with Claude Davis withdrawing so three out of my back four in the last two weeks have been out," he said. "But all credit to people like (Rob) Kozluk and (Derek) Geary." Warnock made three substitutions early in the second half to try and boost his side and The Blades boss was delighted the changes paid off. "(The Credit's) all mine, isn't it!" Warnock joked. "It's just nice, you make changes and you want something to happen when you make changes, that's why you do it." Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and top scorer Hulse came in for special praise from their manager. Kenny pulled off a string of saves, including an amazing stop to deny Bolton a late winner. "Whichever one you pick, first half or second, they've got to be save of the season," Warnock said. "The Irish must have some keepers for him not to be even in their squad!" Hulse, meanwhile, netted his fourth of the campaign against The Trotters. Warnock added: "It was a good move and Rob's on fire at the moment and he's having to do a lot of hard work as well."

11th November Sheffield United 2 Bolton Wanderers 2 (Attendance: 28,294)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Jagielka, Geary, Gillespie (Kazim-Richards 46), Montgomery (Law 60), Leigertwood, Alan Quinn (Nade 64), Hulse, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Sommeil, Short.

Booked: Morgan 42.

Scorers: Hulse 70, Kazim-Richards 73.

Man of the Match: Paddy Kenny.

Bolton Line-up: Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ben Haim, Meite, Faye, Pedersen, Nolan, Speed, Tal (Campo 76), Davies, Anelka, Diouf.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Hunt, Giannakopoulos, Vaz Te.

Booked: Meite 90.

Scorers: Diouf 34, Davies 59.

United salvaged a remarkable point with two goals in 133 seconds to leave Bolton Wanderers without a win in four matches. The Trotter’s seemed poised to end their three-game losing streak with goals either side of the interval from El-Hadji Diouf and Kevin Davies. But United's leading scorer Rob Hulse first offered up hope with his fourth goal of the season before an astonishing strike from Colin Kazim-Richards soon after hauled the Blades level. United made one enforced change to their line-up with defender Chris Morgan replacing Claude Davis who missed out with a groin strain. Kevin Nolan returned to the Bolton line-up after completing a three-match suspension. Idan Tal made his first league start, as Sam Allardyce made two changes, with Ivan Campo and Stelios Giannakopoulos dropping to the bench. The Blades started brightly enough, as they invariably do at the Lane, but on this occasion their momentum petered out. There was an early strike from Hulse in the eighth minute that was comfortably gathered by Jussi Jaaskelainen. After that, Bolton rarely found themselves under any undue pressure, with United unable to create any clear cut chances. Bolton came within a whisker of opening the scoring in the 14th minute when Tal narrowly side footed a volley wide from just outside the area after Phil Jagielka had headed a Diouf cross into the path of the Israeli. Eight minutes later Bolton were denied again, sparked by a long ball from Tal from the left wing. After finding Davies four yards outside the area, the Bolton striker strode forward and rifled in a shot only for Morgan to produce an outstanding block. United's best chance of the half followed soon after, with Morgan causing problems at the Bramall Lane end. But in producing a downward header to Derek Geary's long throw, the Blades captain wheeled away in anguish after seeing Jaaskelainen turn the ball aside following a despairing dive. Then virtually from nothing Bolton carved out the opener, created by Henrik Pedersen's raking, curling 60-yard ball down the left that spun away from covering defender Jagielka and into the path of Diouf. The Senegal forward – who had been booed at his every touch - then held off the challenge of Jagielka before driving a crisp right-foot half-volley from 15 yards across Paddy Kenny and into the far corner of the net. It would have been 2-0 four minutes from the break but for a fine blocking save from Kenny in denying Tal as the midfielder cracked in an angled left-foot drive. In need of a spark, Warnock replaced right-winger Keith Gillespie with Kazim-Richards at the break, reverting to three in attack as his side had lacked any potency in the first half. Instead, it was Bolton's three-man frontline who struck again with their first shot of the second period to pull the rug from under Warnock. A finely-crafted move started with Diouf's hanging ball from wide on the right being side-footed down by Davies to his left for Nicolas Anelka. The Frenchman's incisive lay-off to Tal inside the area allowed the left winger to play the ball back to Davies who drove home his first goal since the opening day of the season through the legs of the advancing Morgan and past a statuesque Kenny. At that stage Bolton seemed home and dry, but United dug deep to produce their quick-fire double. United had been lacking some strength up-front, with the big Bolton defenders dominating. This situation soon changed with the introduction of the solidly built Christian Nade after 66 minutes. Their first riposte arrived four minutes later when Nade combined with Mikele Leigertwood to pick out Kazim-Richards on the right wing. The the pacey wideman delivered a precision cross onto the head of Hulse who powered a header past Jaaskelainen. United now we now in the ascendancy and were backed by a defending Shoreham Kop, as Warnock’s men pilled on the pressure. Two minutes later and mayhem ensued inside Bramall Lane courtesy of Kazim-Richards' wonder goal. A sliding Jaaskelainen could initially do nothing more than push away a long ball pumped forward into the Bolton box, allowing Nade to seize on the rebound and lay off to Kazim-Richards. From wide on the right and 10 yards outside the area, the 20-year-old struck a first-time right-foot shot that curled its way inside the left-hand post and past the outstretched grasp of Jaaskelainen. Bolton still had chances for the winner, with Nolan heading into the turf with the goal at his mercy, while Kenny produced another great save to deny a wide-open Abdoulaye Faye.

10th November Nick Montgomery feels United are starting to believe they can survive in The Premiership. The Blades recorded a second win of the season last weekend after Danny Webber's header clinched a 1-0 success at fellow strugglers Newcastle United. Although United remain in the relegation zone, Montgomery is sensing a change in attitude within the dressing room. "I think the lads are now starting to believe we are good enough to stay in this division," Montgomery told Sky Sports News. "Although it will be difficult, and a big fight because there are a lot of very good teams in there, we have just got to believe in ourselves. "We are beginning to do that." The Blades meet Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and Montgomery is predicting a fierce battle against the third-placed visitors. He added: "It was a fantastic atmosphere at St James' and we have got to take the confidence from last Saturday into the game against Bolton. "They (Bolton) are a fantastic team. I remember being here when it was before they got promoted. "Since they've been up there, they've been fantastic and they have taken a lot of big scalps every season. "It's going to be a difficult game as they are a very physical team, make no bones about it. "We know what Bolton are going to bring on Saturday and we have just got to be prepared for it."

8th November Chris Armstrong could be out for several weeks after undergoing a knee operation. Armstrong missed last Saturday's Premiership win at Newcastle, having woken up with a swollen knee. Blades boss Neil Warnock commented: "Chris had a scan last night, and the surgeon decided to operate straightaway - although the extent of the damage won't be apparent until he takes a proper look inside the joint. "There remains the possibility that if it is just a piece of floating bone Chris could be out for only three weeks. If it turns out to be a cartilage problem, it will take six." Armstrong had re-established himself at the back for United, having overcome a career-threatening problem in the same knee. Warnock added: "It is unfortunate for Chris and us - as it is for Michael Tonge, who is out of action with damaged ankle ligaments at the same time. "But I am confident that both will be back as quickly as possible challenging for places again."

8th November Striker Neil Shipperley has admitted he faces a stern test to get back into the Blades first team this season. A calf strain has kept the experienced forward out of action this season but, having completed his rehabilitation, he is now hoping to put pressure on manager Neil Warnock to select him. "It's been frustrating for me, because I've been out of action for something like eight weeks. I came back for one week and the calf went again," Shipperley commented. "But I'm back in full training now and it's so far so good. I'm looking to get fitter and feature in the first-team at some stage this season. "The intensity has increased in training and everyone's working very hard. I've got to slot into the work ethic. "We've now realised that the Premiership isn't all that it's cracked up to be. We know we can beat teams because we've picked up some good results of late."

7th November Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's Euro 2008 qualifier against San Marino. Kenny has been troubled by a muscle injury recently but played for his club against Newcastle on Saturday and helped the Blades to a 1-0 win. Newcastle stopper Shay Given has returned to the squad but the other goalkeeping places go to Brighton's Wayne Henderson and Barnsley's Nick Colgan. When asked whether Kenny had been dropped, a Football Association of Ireland spokesman replied that Kenny had been "not selected". The FAI official pointed out that Kenny had missed the game against the Czech Republic because of injury and added that manager Steve Staunton had spoken of the goalkeeper's recent "injury problems". However, Blades midfielder Alan Quinn has been included in Staunton's squad.

4th November Newcastle United 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 50,188)
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Davis, Jagielka, Geary, Montgomery, Leigertwood, Alan Quinn (Law 90), Gillespie, Hulse, Webber (Kabba 72), Kabba (Kazim-Richards 88).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Short.

Booked: Davis 39, Hulse 75.

Scorer: Webber 68.

Man of the Match: Claude Davis.

Newcastle Line-up: Harper, Carr, Moore, Bramble, Babayaro, Milner (Luque 66), Parker, Butt (Emre 46), N'Zogbia (Solano 46), Rossi, Duff.
Subs Not Used: Srnicek, Ramage.

A solitary strike from Danny Webber lifted United away from the bottom of the Premiership table as the Blades beat Newcastle United 1-0 at St James' Park. Webber pounced for the all-important winner after 68 minutes as the Blades scored their first goal away from Bramall Lane this season and it was no more than United deserved as Newcastle failed to manage a shot of any merit on Paddy Kenny's goal. Neil Warnock was forced into three changes. Derek Geary, Rob Kozluk and Nick Montgomery replaced Leigh Bromby, Michael Tonge and Chris Armstrong. Keith Gillespie took the captain's armband from Phil Jagielka for the day against his former club. Most apparent within seconds of the kick-off, was the change in the Blades formation from pervious weeks, with Webber joining Rob Hulse in a 4-4-2 formation. The Blades were far more composed than Newcastle in the early stages and stretched the Magpies from the first minute when Webber's cross almost picked out Alan Quinn. Hulse also shot straight at goalkeeper Steve Harper and Quinn wasted a free-kick as Newcastle struggled to keep the ball for any length of time, with Claude Davis and Jagielka commanding in the Blades defence, and Mikele Leigertwood bossing the middle of the park. James Milner won the corner that brought Newcastle their first threat after 24 minutes when Kenny dropped the ball and was fortunate that Jagielka reacted marginally quicker than Damien Duff. Kenny was almost embarrassed again on the half-hour when he lost his bearings as Charles N'Zogbia's cross drifted over him and dropped on top of the bar. However, it was not enough to appease the fickle Newcastle fans who one minute cheer their players and the next boo and jeer. At the start of the second half, Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder sent on Belozoglu Emre for Nicky Butt and Nolberto Solano went on for Charles N'Zogbia. The Blades picked up where they had left off in the first half and continued their domination. Quinn sent a right-foot shot across the face of goal within three minutes of the restart with United showing few signs of surrendering the point with which they arrived on Tyneside. Indeed, they looked the more likely to score, and Bramble came to the rescue of Newcastle again after Montgomery was presented with possession in the box after Gillespie recycled a 53rd-minute Geary cross. Quinn chanced his arm with an effort from distance seconds later, but Harper had to save from Webber's dipping 58th-minute shot and then saw Leigertwood hammer a left-foot drive over. They were warning signs that Newcastle failed to heed and they went behind in the 68th minute when Montgomery's excellent turn, run and cross was headed in by Webber after the forward eluded Moore. Emre dragged a 74th-minute shot across the face of goal, but the Magpies efforts to drag themselves back into the game were tepid to say the least. Indeed, they might have lost even more heavily had Harper not managed to get a touch on Quinn's 86th-minute shot and then claim the rebound as the ball came back off the post. And the reaction when the final whistle sounded was entirely predictable as the Blades fans celebrated the first away win of the season. It had been a top performance from United. If they continue to play home and away with such resilience and determination as seen today, they will soon move in to the top half of the table.

3rd November United defender Chris Lucketti has rejected a loan move to Barnsley. Lucketti has been unable to establish himself in the Blades squad this season since the club clinched promotion to The Premiership. He was expected to be loaned out to maintain his match fitness, although Neil Warnock has expressed concerns about losing the veteran centre half. A clutch of Championship clubs have been linked with Lucketti, with the 35-year-old rejecting a switch to Oakwell. Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie told the club's official website: "We tried to get Chris Lucketti from Sheffield United, but we were told that he did not want to come at the moment. "We need an experienced player like him and we tried to sign him during the summer, but we could not match his financial demands."

3rd November Neil Warnock believes the loss of Michael Tonge for a month is a massive blow for United. The 23-year-old midfielder injured his ankle seven minutes into the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea last week and has been ruled out until the start of December at least. Tonge will miss the trip to Newcastle on Saturday and Warnock has likened the impact of his absence to the effect Michael Owen's injury must have had on The Magpies. Owen ruptured knee ligaments while playing for England in the World Cup and looks set to miss the entire season. "England have missed Michael, beyond a shadow of a doubt, and I don't like to see anyone of that quality injured," said Warnock. "At Newcastle he was their main striker and they are bound to be disappointed - but Michael Tonge is our main man in midfield. "I'm afraid there is no divine right for anyone to stay fit and although it is difficult to accept as a manager you have to. "I remember when I was younger it always used to be my best player that got injured and I used to think there was something about me but as you get older you realise that as one goes out another one comes in." Warnock is also confident that Tonge's return could be fairly straightforward. "We are hoping it is not as bad as we thought. We feared the worst when the scan came back with the results but the surgeon has seen Michael and they are going to put him in this case for two weeks and he is optimistic. "Then it would depend on Michael. If everything went well it will be four weeks, maybe five." United are currently languishing in the bottom three of The Premiership but Warnock believes his team could quite easily be placed higher. "I think we have to be a bit more positive and we have to take our opportunities," he urged. "You don't get too many penalties in the Premier League and we have managed to miss three so far. "We have to put pressure on teams. So far we have not been able to score a goal let alone a win away from home and that has disappointed me because we have had loads of opportunities. "Hopefully these chances will start going away. If not obviously some of these players are not good enough. "We are enjoying it (The Premiership) but we can enjoy it more by getting decent results."