Cornet and Ward-Prowse strike but Hammers pegged back in Sheffield

The last say of the half would go the way of the hosts though, with Brereton Díaz duly making it 1-1 with a volleyed finish after reacting first to an Areola save from an angled Osula effort.

Buoyed by the swing in momentum, Sheffield United enjoyed a succession of half chances early in the second period, with James McAtee knocking in a dangerous cross and Auston Trusty heading over the crossbar.

Half-time sub McBurnie fizzed a shot over at the second attempt – after his header across goal was blocked – and just before the hour mark Brereton Díaz really should have grabbed his second of the day when he skewed wide one-on-one.

Dinos Mavropanos headed off target with little over 20 minutes left, as Moyes’ charges searched for the lead, not long before Ings forced Foderingham into a low save from the edge of the area.

England international Ings then earned West Ham the chance to go 2-1 in front when he was felled by Hamer in the box, following a clever turn, and Ward-Prowse made no mistake from the penalty spot, blasting the ball into the middle of the net.

The late drama continued in South Yorkshire, when a Brewster yellow card – for a heavy challenge on Emerson – was upgraded to a red by referee Michael Salisbury, and then Coufal was similarly given his marching orders for a second yellow.

Deep into added time, Sheffield United were awarded a penalty of their own following a tangle involving McBurnie, and the Scotland international then beat late introduction Fabiański to ensure the honours ended even.

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Bogle, Ahmedhodzic ©, Robinson, Trusty (Norrington-Davies 80), Souza (Norwood 88), McAtee, Hamer, Brooks (Brewster 80), Brereton Díaz (Archer 67), Osula (McBurnie 46)Subs: Amissah (GK), Osborn, Seriki, Buyabu

Goals: Brereton Díaz 44, McBurnie pen 90+13

Booked: Hamer, Brooks, Ahmedhodzic

Sent-off: Brewster

West Ham United: Areola (Fabiański 90+12), Coufal, Zouma ©, Mavropanos, Emerson, Cornet (Johnson 70), Souček, Ward-Prowse, Fornals, Ings (Mubama 90+6), BowenSubs:  Cresswell, Ogbonna, Casey, Marshall, Scarles, Orford

Goals: Cornet 28, Ward-Prowse pen 79

Booked: Ward-Prowse

Sent-off: Coufal

Referee: Michael Salisbury

Attendance: 29,164