The players hope the snacks will boost their chances of victory

The Blades' fitness coach Dean Riddle has introduced children's rice cakes to the first-team squad's diet.

The chocolate snacks - sold as finger food for toddlers up to 12-months-old - are packed with essential carbohydrates which give the footballers an energy boost before and after games.

Mr Riddle said: "These bars are just perfect for the players.

"We're always willing to try different nutritional products to boost energy and performance and the players love them."

United face Premiership title favourites Arsenal in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The side lost to Liverpool at the same stage in the Worthington Cup this year.

Neil Warnock's men are also on course for a place in the First Division play-offs at the end of the season.