Dane Scarlett gave the U’s a 12th-minute lead, but the Rams hit back 10 minutes into the second half, as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing arrowed in a strike.
Here are the key talking points from the Sky Bet Championship clash.
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Scarlett takes his chance
Tottenham Hotspur loanee Scarlett has had some week. He grabbed his first England Under-21s goal in a 7-0 hammering of Azerbaijan, came off the bench to net a stoppage time leveller for United at home to West Bromwich Albion, and was then rewarded with a first league start for the U’s.
It took him 12 minutes to score against the Rams, converting into the far post with a cute finish from Idris El Mizouni’s left-sided cross.
Scarlett’s all-round game also impressed, as he gave United more of a physical presence up front, winning headers and aerial duels, while dropping deeper when required.
He managed just over an hour before Mark Harris replaced him, and it was an encouraging display.
Harris meanwhile looked fresher than in recent games, and the performance of Scarlett will pose serious questions to the U’s coaching staff ahead of the trip to Sunderland.
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Midfield freshen up?
United’s midfield has looked a little bit leggy and at times outfought in the two games since the October international break.
Still without Cameron Brannagan in the engine room, the U’s have called on the midfield trio of El Mizouni, Ruben Rodrigues and Will Vaulks for the past five matches.
Both Josh McEachran and Louie Sibley must be in consideration for Saturday’s trip to the Stadium of Light, especially with their cameos yesterday.
McEachran returned from a groin problem and crafted a through ball from the left for Owen Dale to run onto, while Sibley saw a swivel and shot saved.
They were two instances of the guile and craft that United needed in the final third.
Injuries out wide
One player of course missing from that midfield conversation is Tyler Goodrham.
Injuries out wide to Kyle Edwards, Matt Phillips and Przemyslaw Placheta have necessitated that Goodrham move back to the wings.
The 21-year-old was infectious in midfield when put there by Des Buckingham at the end of last season, but with Siriki Dembele picking up an ankle knock in midweek, options on the flanks have potentially been further hit.
The hope will of course be that Dembele’s situation is not serious, but even if he is missing for the weekend, the U’s would be left with just Owen Dale, Malcolm Ebiowei and Marselino Ferdinan, plus Goodrham, on the wings.
Others such as Sibley and Harris, and Greg Leigh, could also play there if required.