Nigel Clough's Derby County sit in 18th position in the Championship table but they will not be underestimated by Kevin Blackwell.

The United chief believes Saturday's visitors to Bramall Lane will be buoyed by last week's victory over local rivals, Nottingham Forest.

"That was arguably their biggest win for two years so they will be full of confidence," said Blackwell in the build-up to the fixture.

"They have quality players from back to front. In Stephen Bywater they have a highly-competent goalkeeper, they have Nicky Hunt and James McEveley, who have Premiership experience. Then there's Robbie Savage and Kris Commons, who both have quality, and we know what we will get from Rob Hulse."

The Blades have been in fine home form of late but go into the game on the back of two consecutive away defeats.

Blackwell adds: "We have to rise to the challenge, we've had a dip but everyone is capable of that. I watched how poor Arsenal were against Manchester United after they had done so well the previous week.

"Before the West Brom and Watford games we had been playing well in the previous couple of months and I expect the lads to go out there and return to our usual high standards."