Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the defeat at Sheffield United. 

David Raya 6

Showed good handling to save from Stevens and Duffy in the first half, but would be disappointed not to keep out Sharp’s second goal.

Elliott Bennett 6

Looked a little subdued on his return to the side. Could have provided more of a threat down the right in the second half, while his poor header led to the opener.

Darragh Lenihan 5

Undid his earlier good work by poor defending for Sharp's opener when he should have cleared. Fired a shot over in the first half.

Charlie Mulgrew 6

His trusty left boot went close to opening the scoring for Rovers, but a defensive lapse let in the Blades for their killer second goal.

Derrick Williams 5

A poor defensive header for the opening goal, and wasn’t round on the cover for the second. Went close with a second half right foot shot.

Richie Smallwood 5

A poor tackle at a time when Rovers were in the ascendancy completely turned the game. Had been decent on the ball prior to that.

Lewis Travis 7 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Didn’t look out place on his first Championship start, adding some energy and drive to the midfield. A 90 per cent pass accuracy helped keep Rovers moving forward. Mulgrew went close with a free kick he run with a good break forward.

Harrison Reed 6

Couldn’t affect the game in the final third, but was neat and tidy in the middle and defensive third. Could have been the one to take more risks when Rovers had a man advantage.

Kasey Palmer 6

Moments of quality, with some neat footwork, but sadly all too rare. Booked for simulation shortly before being replaced.

Joe Rothwell 6

Several enterprising runs fizzled out all too easily. Has the components to be an exciting addition to the forward line, but more needed in the final third. An inexcusable dive moments before the Blades second goal should have earned him a card.

Ben Brereton 5

Fluffed his lines with his big chance in the first half. Touched the ball just 20 times on what his first start for the club, before being replaced.

Subs

Adam Armstrong (for Palmer, 69) 5

Came on at a time when Rovers were looking to press the accelerator, only for the momentum to fizzle out after Smallwood’s red card.

Bradley Dack (for Brereton, 69) 5

On the bench for the first time in over 12 months, but couldn’t provide the spark they were needing.

Unused subs: Jayson Leutwiler, Jack Rodwell, Paul Downing, Corry Evans, Danny Graham