Oldham Athletic caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk remained upbeat following Latics first defeat since he took temporary charge.
Two second-half goals for promotion-chasing United put the game beyond Latics reach – a result which leaves Oldham back in the relegation zone.
And Philliskirk, who had overseen three successive league wins, was positive about Latics hopes for League One survival.
“I could not fault the effort of the players because I thought we had a right good go,” said Philliskirk.
“And on another day had we not made the two individual mistakes, then we would have been stood here talking about a goalless draw which I would have been delighted with.
“If we had a little bit of luck and the odd decision had gone our way, we might have got something from the game.
“It is about keeping the players positive and, when I look at what we have in the changing room, we should not be in the bottom four.
“If we keep showing the spirit and determination, I am sure we will get out of trouble.”
Meanwhile the former Bolton Wanderers man had nothing but praise for the high-flying Blades.
“We played the best team in the league in my opinion and ran them close so we should be majoring on the positives,” said Philliskirk.
“I will be flabbergasted and there will be something wrong if they don’t go up.
“They are the most efficient team I have seen in League One. They are no frills, work hard and have a lot of experienced players who make the right decisions at the right time.
“They playing winning football and take no chances. We took two and conceded two goals and that was the difference between the two teams.
“They are a very good League One team which is why they will probably go up. You have to give them credit for the way they made things difficult for us.”
Image courtesy of ITV Sport, via YouTube, with thanks
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