A forgotten nugget of the great game.

Who can tell me why there used to be flags on the halfway line? And when did they stop being there?

I can remember them existing but I don't remember them leaving us. And I never knew why they were there at all...

Please fill me in on text at 81111 (UK Only) or tweet me at #bbcfootball.

What a start for Sheffield United! That's why they were so desperate to hang on to Brian Deane.

Deano! Deano! Deano! Rings out around the Lane.

Throw-in for the Blades...

John Motson
BBC commentator at Elland Road

After all the hype and build-up the Premier League is under way!

Paul Ince is in trouble and needs some serious attention. That first-minute challenge on the goalkeeper was crazy.

Harvey Hancock: Manchester United look like they're going into the season with a very young squad. I'll say it again: You can't win anything with youngsters.

'Why make that early challenge?'published at 15:02 British Summer Time 15 August 2017

15:02 BST 15 August 2017

Sheffield United 0-0 Manchester United

Barry Davies
BBC commentator at Bramall Lane

Paul Ince’s injuries have been a terrible blow to Manchester United in the last few seasons and I can’t think why he felt the need to make that early challenge. Mike Phelan and Dion Dublin are the two substitutes available for Manchester United today.

This 'backpass' rule puts goalkeepers under pressure like never before. Every time the ball comes near them the crowd go crazy!

Postpublished at 1 min

1 min

Sheffield United 0-0 Manchester United

Crazy challenge from Paul Ince! Straight into keeper Simon Tracey and he's come off worse.

Blood and thunder from the off. Football is all about getting the ball in the channels. Brian Deane will give Steve Bruce a test.

The Premier League is go!

All set?Here we go...

I should elaborate - the Blades had started the previous few seasons so poorly that Dave Bassett said 'they only started playing after Christmas.'

So, in 1992, they had Christmas in August. Genius!

Barry Davies
BBC commentator at Bramall Lane

Image source, Sheffield United

Now stands the clock at five to three. Once more here there’s football to see.

In midweek there was a celebration of Christmas – in August! – because the Blades haven’t started playing until the new year over the last few seasons.

If you're near your TV stick it on the red button, or you can watch coverage from Bramall Lane at the top of the screen any minute now.

The Premier League era is under way...

The BDO has nothing to fear.

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Diouri: On crazy transfer fees-AC Milan just paid £13m for Gianluigi Lentini! Hope English clubs never spend that much.

David Bogle: Still regard the Football League as the true championship of the game. This will crash and burn. What next, a split in darts?