Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale proving point to detractors

But he is now learning to blank out the background noise.

In terms of a response, his performance in the first half against Liverpool was an outstanding one. It was decisive, textbook and comprehensively sound.

Ramsdale was beaten twice in the second period, but neither were goals he could have done anything about.

United may have taken another step closer to the Championship with this latest loss, but it was perhaps a significant personal moment for him.

He said: “It was satisfying for me to give the team a platform and base to go into the second half and be very much in the game.

“I think over the past few weeks, I have shown more quality and helped the team a lot more. I had lost a bit of belief in myself.

“You take criticism from people with a pinch of salt, but when it is unjustified, it is harder to do that. But that is the life of being a goalkeeper and I have chosen to do that and took it all on the chin and worked with Wardy (goalkeeping coach Darren Ward) on the training pitch.

“I am believing in myself a little bit more and am not ruined by that outside noise as much. If someone wants to say something, they can say it. I will listen if I want. But recently, I’ve not been.

Looking ahead, he said: “Next season, I want to build a rapport with my team-mates, defenders and when fans come in next year.

“It is time for me to kick on. Whatever league we are in next season, I want to be part of it and able to help the team and that starts now by being consistent every week, on and off the pitch.”

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