United's pre-season preparations continued with another worthwhile exercise at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota on Wednesday evening.
The majority of United's playing squad got another 45 minutes into their legs in the Portuguese heat against top-flight home opposition, with Yasser Larouci and Anis Slimane both making their Blades debuts, although Oli McBurnie missed out with a slight knock.
The first half ebbed and flowed without either side really asserting themselves on the contest, with Neal booked for United for a challenge on Heriberto, whilst Marques was cautioned for hauling down the advancing Jebbison, as Fleck sent the resulting free kick wide, before cueing another left-footed strike wide of the far post after excellent work by the ever-lively Ndiaye.
Boss Heckingbottom fielded a different XI for the second period as planned and Slimane caught the eye in an attacking midfield role as United created several bright attacking moments prior to the hour mark, the best of which saw Lowe head off target from Norwood's centre, with Baldock and the aforementioned debutant involved in the build-up.
On 62 minutes, Osula raced clear and finished with great composure, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from Berge's through ball, but unfortunately the assistant referee intervened by raising his flag. At the other end, Foderingham had to be alert to the danger after Joao Carlos looked to make the most of fortunate ricochet and moments later the striker forced Foderingham into action again but this save was comfortable than the first.
Pushing the home side back, United looked the most likely winners inside the final 20 minutes, Egan hit the post having held his run to meet Norwood's cross, before Osula produced a fantastic overhead kick that somehow stayed out as Slimane looked to force home the rebound, before Berge was denied by one of three home stoppers deployed.
Before time was called on proceedings, United hit the woodwork for a third time in the second half, this time it was Slimane from distance and despite having done more than enough to win the game, United needed Foderingham to make another crucial save after Serginho took aim after more good work by Joao Carlos.
Blades (1st half): Davies, Fleck, Basham, Ndiaye, Neal, Trialist, Robinson, Larouci, Osborn, Sachdev, Jebbison.
Subs: Foderingham, Freckleton, Marsh, Buyabu
Blades (2nd half): Foderingham, Baldock, Lowe, Freckleton, Berge, Egan, Ahmedhodzic, Norwood, Slimane, Osula, Brooks (Marsh 76)
Unused: Davies, Trialist, Neal, Buyabu.