Former Man Utd coach Meulensteen sent out a weakened side against the League One minnows and paid the price when the Blades forced the match to a replay.
The Dutchman handed a debut to Josh Passley and fielded a number of unfamiliar faces such as Chris David and Muamer Tankovic as he kept one eye on the Cottagers' clash with Swansea on Tuesday.
However Meulensteen claimed that he was well within his rights to leave the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Clint Dempsey at home, saying :"I think every person with a bit of common sense can understand (my team).
"It gives a chance to the players who are going to face Swansea to have an extended preparation and a chance for the others to play here.
