Chris Wilder entered his first pre-season friendly in fantastic spirit, with only Ched Evans out of his new signings unable to play due to fitness, as his squad travelled a few miles away from Bramall Lane to face Northern Conference Premiership side Stocksbridge Park Steels.

No respect to the opposition but the Blades battered the non-league side throughout the full match, possessing the ball for the majority of the match, as the Steels didn't really test Wilder's defense. The match finished 9-0 in Wilder's favour following a very strong showing.

United put out two completely different sides for each half, with the likes of skipper Billy Sharp and Jack O'Connell starting the first half, opposed to Paul Coutts and new signing Richard Stearman who were included in the second half team.

The first half ended 3-0 to the Blades, with Sharp netting once, alongside a double from Leon Clarke. Additionally, the second half scorers included an impressive hat trick from Caolan Lavery, a brace from youngster David Brooks, and a goal from former Portsmouth full-back Enda Stevens.

Wilder seemed to have resorted back to his favoured three centre-half formation, with two attacking full-backs. Although it wasn't the hardest test for the United defenders, the backline kept its strong shape and when was needed, dominated the oppositions attack.

One player who particularly stood out was 19-year-old David Brooks. The attacking midfielder looked lively for the whole second half, constantly picking up the ball from deep, passing it into space, and running dangerously at the opponent's defense.

Brooks will certainly have opened Wilder's eyes following his performance, which will also make Wilder even happier after not letting the youngster leave the club on-loan to Chesterfield. If given more minutes during pre-season, Brooks may develop into a key first-team player this season, if tutored correctly by United's coaching team.

Blades fans... What do you think? Do you think Brooks should be given more first team minutes? Let us know in the comments below...