
Ronald's goal was his sixth for Swansea in 66 Championship appearances
Swansea City picked up their first win of the Championship season as they made it two defeats from two for Sheffield United.
The hosts controlled much of the first half but failed to turn their plentiful possession into a lead.
Swansea eventually made the breakthrough after the interval as Ronald latched on to a loose ball in the penalty area and stroked a fine first-time finish into the bottom corner.
The Swans could have scored more - substitute Melker Widell firing the best of their second-half chances narrowly wide – and were worthy winners against their blunt opponents.
The Blades, last season's beaten play-off finalists, offered little in attack as new head coach Ruben Selles suffered a third defeat from three matches in all competitions.
What was the main talking point?
United started their season with a humbling 4-1 defeat at home to Bristol City last Saturday, prompting Selles to deliver an angry post-match team talk to his players on the Bramall Lane pitch.
There was no public dressing-down in south Wales, though this was a passive performance that will have done nothing to lighten the Spaniard's mood.
As for Swansea, this was a marked improvement on their 1-0 loss at Middlesbrough on the opening weekend.
There were some familiar shortcomings in the first half as Alan Sheehan's side dominated in midfield but lacked quality in the final third.
They were still able to create chances, with Josh Tymon hitting a powerful shot just wide, while Malick Yalcouye and Ronald had efforts blocked and saved in quick succession.
And although Ronald's second-half goal gave Swansea a deserved victory, Sheehan will still feel he needs to add to his attacking options before the transfer window closes if the Swans are to better last season's tally of only 51 goals in 46 Championship matches.
Which players stood out?
Swansea's strong finish to the previous campaign was based on a solid defensive foundation, and the back four were resolute again here, albeit against uninspiring opposition.
The Swans started with Yalcouye in midfield following his loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion just two days earlier, and the 19-year-old featured prominently on and off the ball.
Ronald provided the game's decisive moment of class with his smartly taken goal, while fellow winger Zeidane Inoussa looked threatening after coming on as a substitute.
- Published16 August
- Attribution
- Published15 August
'We must remain calm' - what they said
Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan:
"I am really pleased. The only critical thing we can say again is not being more clinical and putting the game to bed.
"This was a team that was one game away from the Premier League, the stature of the club, so to go toe-to-toe and come on top deservingly, my only criticism is that it wasn't by more.
"To limit a team like that with the quality they have to zero shots on target shows a good defensive structure. We looked very strong defensively."
Sheffield United head coach Ruben Selles:
"The first half was an even game. Then in the second half they broke our pressure a couple of times, especially around our right-hand side.
"We tried to adjust the pressure and didn't work in the way that we wanted. In an offensive throw, they scored a goal and it was a throw for us.
"The game became difficult for us and then we were not good enough arriving into the final third and trying to create more situations. We must remain calm in all we do."
What's next for both teams?
Swansea are back in Championship action next Saturday at home to Watford at 12:30 BST, while Sheffield United host Millwall on the same day at 15:00 BST.
Player of the match
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.