When Sheffield United and Aston Villa marked the Premier League’s return from lockdown, on this day in 2020 after an 100-day hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the BBC’s match report described the result as “a low-key goalless draw.” But in reality it was anything but, as one of the most staggering technological failures in the top flight’s history cost United what could have been a huge result in their unlikely push for Europe.
The Blades should have gone 1-0 ahead when Villa goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland caught Ollie Norwood’s deep free-kick and fell over his own goalline with the ball still in his hands. Multiple replays showed the ball had clearly gone over the line but referee Michael Oliver’s goalline technology failed to alert him that a goal should have been given, and VAR inexplicably declined to get involved.
The game went on to finish goalless and United could not rediscover the momentum that had been taken from them by lockdown, eventually finishing ninth - still a remarkable achievement in their first season back in the Premier League after 12 years away, but also one of the biggest ‘what-if?’ moments in recent years. But what happened to the 20 players in the United squad that day? Let’s have a look...
The game went on to finish goalless and United could not rediscover the momentum that had been taken from them by lockdown, eventually finishing ninth - still a remarkable achievement in their first season back in the Premier League after 12 years away, but also one of the biggest ‘what-if?’ moments in recent years. But what happened to the 20 players in the United squad that day? Let’s have a look...
5. Jack Robinson
Signed as a replacement for Jack O’Connell and established himself as a mainstay in the United side last season. Robinson is set to enter the final year of his Blades deal but is keen to extend his time at Bramall Lane | Getty Images
6. Enda Stevens
Now 33, Stevens managed only 21 appearances for Stoke City last season but it was enough to convince them to offer him a new deal, signing for another year earlier this summer | Getty Images
7. Sander Berge
The Norwegian international remains at Burnley, for now, but is expected to be the subject of transfer interest after a decent individual season despite the Clarets joining the Blades in the Championship next season | Getty Images
8. Ollie Norwood
Released by the Blades this summer and now weighing up his next move, with a host of Championship clubs interested in a midfielder with a proven track record of promotion to the Prem | Sportimage