Blades thrash City to book Wembley play-off place

Sheffield United are 90 minutes away from a return to the Premier League after thumping Bristol City in the Championship play-offs.

Chris Wilder’s side will face either Coventry or Sunderland at Wembley on 24 May after a 3-0 win at Bramall Lane sealed a 6-0 aggregate win.

Giant striker Kieffer Moore beat a flapping Max O’Leary to an inswinging corner to nod in the opener and settle any nerves before half-time.

Another corner, another goal and Sheffield United are on track for a record play-off aggregate score! ✨ pic.twitter.com/setsJPUsF8

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 12, 2025

Gustavo Hamer – a class above on the night – got the party well and truly started in the 52nd minute with a deflected shot from a cleverly-worked corner.

And Callum O’Hare repeated his first leg trick of scoring from the bench with a clinical late third to secure the biggest play-offs aggregate win at Championship level.

The Blades won the first leg in Bristol 3-0 on Thursday night but it was City who had the best of the first half before the goal, with Scott Twine picking up space and their fluid midfield bossing the ball.

But the first goal was always going to be crucial on the night and Moore’s flicked header deflated the away fans behind the goal.

Twine had a free-kick well saved after the break but United were always in control, their strength in depth highlighted with a triple change that saw O’Hare, Rhian Brewster and Tyrese Campbell all come on.

Callum O’Hare comes off the bench and scores! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZhZzsYQxM0

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 12, 2025

United finished the regular season on 90 points, 22 above City and the gulf told in the end – but the Blades have never been promoted via the play-offs in nine previous attempts.

The Robins remain without a season in the top flight since 1980 but will be a force again next season.

Manchester United defender and former Blade captain Harry Maguire was watching on in the stands and will hope to come up against his old side in the top flight once more next season.

Wilder has been promoted with United twice already. Can he make it three at Wembley?

Sheffield United in the play-offs

1987-88 – beaten by Bristol City in the semi-finals

1996-97 – beaten by Crystal Palace at Wembley

1997-98 – beaten by Sunderland in the semi-finals

2002-03 – beaten by Wolves at Cardiff

When Wade Elliott became our Wembley hero 🙌 pic.twitter.com/D4bnKKqD97

— Burnley FC (P) (@BurnleyOfficial) March 2, 2024

2008-09 – beaten by Burnley at Wembley

2011-12 – beaten by Huddersfield at Wembley

2012-13 – beaten by Yeovil in the semi-finals

2014-15 – beaten by Swindon in the semi-finals

2021-22 – beaten by Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals

2024-25 – will face either Sunderland or Coventry at Wembley