Let's look at who those second string were.
Forster.....past it and possibly too slow.
Porro, not up to speed with the team or English football.
Sanchez.....lacking confidence due to limited minutes.
Perisic......grandad.
Sarr......child
Moura.....one foot out the door.
Richarlison......at sea.
Just because they are PL players doesn't mean they are automatically superior or more motivated. I haven't checked out the ages of the Sheffield players but I suspect they are younger and more lively?
11 internationals started for us...... 7 or which played in the world cup.
Now compare to Sheff United B team.
............Imagine the riots if we were linked to any of them in the last trf window!