On the 1st of August Sheffield United played a further one more friendly fixture at Bramall Lane; it was their open day which saw the unveiling of statues of former Blades personnel Joe Shaw and Derek Dooley displayed in the clubs’ car park.
A 30 minute each way fixture also took place during the open day with an Hallam FC veteran’s side taking on a Sheffield United veteran’s side with Peter Duffield netting an hat-trick in a 5-0 victory.
The main event took place at 4:00pm later that day with Argentinean side Estudiantes de La Plata from South America; manager Alex Sabella wasn’t present at this game and neither was former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.
Sabella was absent having taking part in an interview for the Argentina National Team following the departure of Diago Maradona.
United won the friendly 1-0 playing entertaining football, whilst a young Argentinean side looked skilful the winner came close to the final 90 minutes from an academy player of their own; Matthew Lowton notching the only goal.
Hungarian Laszlo Bodnar was included at right full-back on trial; he had previously won 46 caps for his County whilst also featuring against Liverpool for Debreceni in the Champions League during the 2009/10 season. He impressed and was offered a deal by United.
In transfer news it was understood that defender Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town) opted out on a move to Bramall Lane and joined arch rivals Leeds United instead; signing a two year deal. Speculation was that the Blades and the Blues couldn’t agree how the £200,000 transfer fee would be paid.
Midfielder Stephen Quinn signed a new three year deal, keeping him at the club until summer 2013.
Sheffield United and Cardiff City kick-started the season slightly later than the other 22 teams involved; whilst the majority played at the traditional 3:00pm on Saturday the Blades played on the Sunday in front of a live Sky audience. It was the fourth time in the last five years that the Wizards had featured on live TV on day one of the new campaign.
The two teams drew 1-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium with Ched Evans opening the scoring, but the game took a turn for the worst when youngster Matthew Lowton was sent off for a professional foul. In the second half Jay Bothroyd levelled the scoring but due to their dominance could have added further goals with United lucky to escape with a point.
Kevin Blackwell bolstered his defence with the signing of former Manchester City and Burnley left full-back Stephen Jordan; signing a one year deal after being released by the Turf Moor club.
Defender Kyle Bartley also joined the Blades in a season’s long loan deal from Arsenal. The centre-half was already known to Unitedites having already completed a successful loan spell with the club the previous season.
A weak squad was taken to Hartlepool United in the first round of the Carling Cup; the squad was so fin on the ground that coaches Gary Speed and Paul Critchen were called into action on the substitute’s bench although not used.
Without Ched Evans, Daniel Bogdanovic and Mihkel Aksalu on international duty as well as the absence of Darius Henderson, Nyron Nosworthy, Lee Williamson and Ryan France (injury) and the suspension of Matthew Lowton the Blades slipped away to a 2-0 defeat in what was a dire match for the visitors.