Nigel Adkins has demanded an improvement from his squad after his first game as Sheffield United manager ended in a surprise 4-0 defeat to Gillingham.

The Blades had been tipped by many as favourites for the League One title, but came unstuck as Emmanuel Osadebe, Adedeji Oshilaja, John Egan and Bradley Dack all struck for the Gills.

Adkins told reporters: "We have to do better, that wasn't good enough. We won't shy away from that. It's not about individuals. It's all about the group."

The former Reading and Southampton boss was dealt a further blow as he lost forward Jose Baxter to injury.

"Jose Baxter is on crutches. It's his ankle. We don't know how serious it is yet," he said.

United's next fixture is a Capital One Cup tie at Morecambe on Tuesday.