Sheffield United

There are four matches being played in the Premier League on Wednesday, and we will bring you every moment.

All kick-off times BST

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Here is a selection of the key facts and figures before Manchester United host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday (20:00 BST kick-off).

• Manchester United have won just one of their past seven Premier League games and are without a victory in their past four. They last had a longer run without a league win in April/May 2019.

• The Blades have lost their past five midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League games, shipping at least two goals in all four so far this term.

• Manchester United have faced 20 or more shots in each of their past six Premier League games (157 total - 26.2 per game). Only Blackpool have had a longer such run since Opta started collecting data in 2003-04.

• No Sheffield United player has been directly involved in more Premier League goals this season than Gustavo Hamer (four goals, five assists). He is one goal away from becoming only the third player to record five or more goals and five or more assists in a Premier League season for the Blades, after Brian Deane in 1992-93 (15 goals, 10 assists), and Dane Whitehouse in 1993-94 (five goals, six assists).

• Bruno Fernandes has scored five goals in his past five league games, including in the past three. Only once has he scored in four consecutive league games for the Red Devils, doing so in February 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests. For this week's matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on actor Zack Morris, star of new thriller film Jericho Ridge.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

I am going to predict a Manchester United win here.

There was a guy who was quite abusive to me on X so I promised him I would pick Manchester United victories for the rest of the season, after I backed Coventry to beat them in the FA Cup.

I was nearly correct about Coventry too - as manager Mark Robins put it after their defeat, I was a toenail away from getting that one right.

As much as anything, it was the way Manchester United fell apart after being 3-0 up that was the worry for them on Sunday, but they did get through in the end.

I don't think this is a particularly good game for Erik ten Hag's side to face next though, against the team at the bottom of the table with nothing to lose.

The Manchester United players probably won't relish being expected to win easily again, just as they were against Coventry, but even they should be able to beat Sheffield United - surely.

Zack's prediction: 4-0

You can read the rest of the predictions here

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media before Sheffield United take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday night (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from the Blades boss:

• On the quick turnaround following the defeat to Burnley: "It is the rearranged game because of Manchester United's progression in FA Cup - so it is what it is. Whether it is a good thing or not, whether we would have preferred a week of preparation leading up to the Newcastle game, or whether we will get back on the bike - we will only know off the back of this on late Wednesday evening."

• Wilder is hoping the Blades "grab the opportunity" to play at Old Trafford, which he describes as "a fabulous place to go and play football", stating: "This is the reason we got promoted to the Premier League, for days and nights like this."

• On taking on Manchester United after they were pushed all the way in their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City: "Listen, they won't be too bothered internally. They are through to a cup final yet again, so that is twice in two years that they have reached the final, which is a great achievement. People will talk about Manchester United negatively, but it is a huge football club and a fabulous group of players they have got."

• The Blades are "looking to recover" in front of a "full-house" at Old Trafford: "We will expect Manchester United to put out their strongest side and put on a top performance. We are looking to recover from the real disappointment of Saturday afternoon. There is no hiding place - the only way to do that is to get yourself out there and put a proper performance in."

• However, there won't be any players making their return from injury. Wilder admitted that squad morale is "difficult at the minute" because he has a group of players that are "injured" or "out of contract and possibly know their fate". He says he also has "loan players that possibly know they are going back to their parent club" or "young players who are trying to find their feet in the Premier League".

• On whether Ivo Grbic will still be his first choice goalkeeper going forward, Wilder explained: "I haven't spoken to him. He has done a recovery day away from here. Myself and the coaches have had our heads down today, in terms of a game plan and selection. As you can imagine, there are going to be some big decisions on a lot of key positions."

• He added: "Regarding Ivo, there was talk of making a substitution at half-time by certain sections of the support. I could have substituted some more players as well, but I thought I would give them the opportunity to make it right. I don't like making those sort of decisions, but I will and I have done before."

• Lastly, Wilder commented on Nottingham Forest's controversial statement on X about the standard of refereeing in their defeat to Everton: "I've really not got a lot to say about it, with my past track record and where it could lead to! I would rather let all the other experts and pundits comment on it."

Follow the rest of Monday's football news

Ben Meakin
Fan writer

Goalkeeper Ivo Grbic is proving to be an interesting case study in how long you should give a new signing before passing judgement. Signed in January, the man who previously backed up Jan Oblak at Atletico Madrid has endured a nightmare start with United.

Immediately declared the new number one by manager Chris Wilder, Grbic has started eight Premier League games and struggled massively. Some 21 goals have flown, sailed, deflected and squirmed past him in those eight starts. Throw in his debut in the FA Cup and it’s 26 conceded in nine appearances.

Yes, he’s playing behind a historically bad defence – but Grbic still looks significantly worse than our previous keeper, Wes Foderingham.

Foderingham himself has underperformed his Expected Goals on Target (post-shot xG) by 1.5 this season – a short-hand way of saying that he’s conceded one or two goals more than an average keeper should have in the 25 games he’s played. Not good, but not disastrous either. For context, this puts Foderingham right around the Arsenal pair of Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya.

Grbic is underperforming the same metric by an astonishing 8.2 goals. With just eight starts so far, his presence in the team is essentially costing United a goal every single game. Needless to say, this is by far the worst mark in the league.

Worse, Grbic looks shot of confidence – fumbling routine takes and miskicking clearances. It’s hard to know what to do with him – double-down on the commitment that he’s our first-choice for next year and hope he settles in as a viable keeper, or concede that he’s a disaster and try and replace him as soon as possible.

He’s got five more games this season to turn it around, and plenty of our fans will be watching on closely - albeit a few looking through their fingers.

Ben Meakin can be found at BladesPod, external

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Monday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.

Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.

Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.

The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.

But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.

We have taken a look into some of the key things Sheffield United are doing to become more sustainable:

• They are a member of the EFL Green Club, which is a scheme to help clubs improve their environmental practices and operations.

• They have solar panels on the roof at the academy and a programme in place to expand solar energy usage.

• All disposable food packaging is 100% sustainable and compostable and they have replaced all plastic cutlery and stirrers with wooden alternatives.

• Water boreholes are in place at Bramall Lane and the academy to collect water and help with pitch irrigation.

• Club food menus use a minimum of 80% British seasonal fruit and veg.

One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.

Why is this important?

Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.

"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.

"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.

"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."

What would you like to see your club do more (or less) of to be greener?

We asked for your views on Sheffield United's defeat against Burnley on Saturday.

Here are some of your answers:

Sheffield United fans

James: If Wilder thinks there was “no lack of fight” then he needs an eye test. Spineless players, Sunday league goalkeeper and a disappointing lack of anger from fans. This club is being run into the ground by an absent owner who doesn’t care and the response is just apathy.

Bob: Absolutely ridiculous. Worst game at the lane I have ever seen! Whole load of players and the manager have to go at the end of the season!

Chris: The irony is is that Burnley were the worst (away) team to visit us all season. We should have been 3-0 up before our keeper needed to make a save. But that's where the issues lie - Grbic is garbage. The biggest cheer before the goal was ironic from the Blades when he managed to save a dribbler.

Burnley fans

Mark: Thought we played well and finally took our chances in front of goal. We played like we were fighting for our lives and we had good spirit. Larsen played well as did Da Silva on the wing and did a good assist. I know some fans have got on his back this season but he's improved game by game. All of the team should be proud of themselves.

Jack: Was an excellent watch in the away end. Excellent atmosphere and certainly gives us a glimmer of hope for survival. It’s a shame that this form has come so late - but better late than never.

Simon: We were very average and still managed to win comfortably, we could have easily conceded two or three but it goes to show the level us and Sheffield United are at. We have a glimmer of hope but no more. I hope we can at least finish the season strong - and who knows?

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's three Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games here

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full:

Luton Town 1-5 Brentford

Chris Wilder spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Sheffield United's defeat to Burnley: "McBurnie had to come off with a tight hamstring. Hamer had to come off with a tight calf.

"We understand the magnitude of today's result. Still, as a professional footballer, the way I have been brought up, I like to think they have those qualities and will go to the end. Until it is mathematically there in front of us we have to. I will. My staff will. The players need to do that. We have an obligation to the supporters and the division.

"I don't think there was a lack of fight. It sometimes comes down to when you need to put teams to bed."

• Sheffield United have become just the third team in history to concede 50+ goals at home in an English top-flight campaign, after Aston Villa in 1935-36 (56) and Chelsea in 1959-60 (50).

• Burnley have scored nine goals against Sheffield United in the Premier League this season, the outright most they’ve netted against an opponent in a campaign in the competition (overtaking seven vs Bournemouth in 2018-19).

• Burnley’s Jóhann Gudmundsson scored just 17 seconds after coming on as a substitute, while it was his first strike in the competition since February 2021 v Crystal Palace – ending a run of 50 Premier League appearances without a goal.

• Only Oliver McBurnie in January 2024 (5 games) has had a longer run of either scoring or assisting at Bramall Lane for Sheffield United in the Premier League this season than Gustavo Hamer (3 games - 1 goal, 2 assists).

• Lorenz Assignon became just the second Burnley defender to both score and assist in a Premier League game, after Daniel Fox did so in a 2-1 victory over West Ham in February 2010.

Burnley gave their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost with a vital victory to push bottom side Sheffield United further towards relegation.

A must-win game for both sides went the way of Vincent Kompany's men as clinical finishing allowed them to move just three points off safety, while Chris Wilder's side are now 10 points adrift.

The Clarets were second best for much of the first half with Arijanet Muric making crucial saves to keep his side in the contest, before they scored twice in the space of three minutes.

On-loan Jacob Bruun Larsen broke the deadlock on 38 minutes when his scuffed volley took a deflection and wrong-footed goalkeeper Ivo Grbic to dribble in at the near post.

In the next attack Burnley doubled their advantage courtesy of full-back Lorenz Assignon weaving through and poking home via Grbic's outstretched leg and the crossbar.

Muric made an outstanding save to deny James McAtee's strike which was bound for the top corner, but he could do nothing about Gustavo Hamer cutting inside and curling in a sumptuous finish to give Sheffield United hope.

But the visitors restored their two-goal advantage following Lyle Foster's tidy, first-time finish from Assignon's cross and substitute Johann Berg Gudmundsson added a delightful fourth for a thumping triumph.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

How did you rate the side's performance, Sheffield United fans?

Burnley fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

Follow all of the reaction here

There is three Premier League matches on Saturday, and we will bring you every moment.

All times are BST

BBC Radio 5 Live commentary:

• Luton v Brentford

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan Sam Tompkins.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Both of these teams have had a very similar habit in recent weeks of shooting themselves in the foot.

I felt for Clarets boss Vincent Kompany after Arijanet Muric's latest mistake gifted Brighton an equaliser last week. Kompany took James Trafford out of the team because of his form, or lack of it, but whoever he picks in goal, they keep costing Burnley points.

I actually think Burnley will get the job done this time, though. They beat Sheffield United 5-0 at Turf Moor earlier in the season and I am expecting them to come out on top again.

The Blades will give everything but Burnley will have a bit too much quality for them, and I'm afraid that's been the story of Sheffield United's season.

Sam's prediction: 1-0

This is probably Sheffield United's biggest game of the season. I don't think they are getting out of the bottom three, but a win here would give them a bit of confidence.

Read the rest of their predictions here

Sheffield United host fellow strugglers Burnley in the Premier League this weekend - listen to Chris Wilder's pre-match news conference on the latest episode of BBC Radio Sheffield's Blades Heaven podcast on BBC Sounds.

Wilder's side are four points adrift of the second-bottom Clarets before Saturday's game at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media before Sheffield United host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 BST kick-off).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Wilder confirmed Jack Robinson and Jayden Bogle are both "struggling" to be available for the weekend and said it is a "blow" for the team to lose "two influential players in the group – Jack from a leadership point of view and Jayden as one of our most outstanding players in the way he has gone about his business".

• On if he was hopeful they would be back before the end of the season: "We are. My frustration has been the soft tissue injuries the season. These boys have both had injuries, ankle ligament damages, from falling... We are frustrated but most frustrating is when you lose players to soft tissues injuries or in training - those are the ones that hurt us."

• He added: "Last time in the Premier League in 2019-20, availability for training and playing was at 90%. We are nowhere near that this season and that will go a long way for us to have a successful season - whatever division we are in next year."

• He said staying up "has got to be our aim", adding: "We want to take it down to the wire and we understand the importance of every game."

• On the decision to scrap FA Cup replays after the first round: "The game is dominated by the big boys, and the big boys don't want FA Cup replays, do they? There is an argument that they are bringing all the money into the game. I'm a traditionalist, so what does that do to non-league clubs that get into the fairytale world of round three and get a draw at home and the financial implications for them of getting a draw at a big club?"

• On whether players like Daniel Jebbison are having options in their contracts exercised: "Daniel Jebbison is close to agreeing, if not agreed. It will be announced when the pen is in his hand and he signs."

• Wilder said opponents Burnley "had a more settled pre-season than what we had, but like us they have found it difficult and found results difficult to come by". He added: "Both teams are after three points. We are in it to win it and so will they be. We haven't picked up enough points that performances have deserved recently. We need to play well, show the qualities of recent games and marry performance with a big result."

Follow the rest of Thursday's football news

Here are the key facts before Sheffield United host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 BST).

• Sheffield United have conceded 84 goals in their 32 Premier League games this season. That is the most at this stage of a top-flight campaign since Ipswich Town in 1963-64 (85), and the most the Blades have conceded in a league campaign since 1954-55 (86 in 42 games).

• Burnley have dropped 24 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, with only Brentford (30) losing more. Meanwhile, Sheffield United have let 17 points slip when winning this term, only losing more in 1993-94 (25).

• Despite no team using more players in the Premier League than United this season (33), no side has had fewer different goalscorers than the Blades (10, excluding own goals).

• Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni has been substituted off in 86% of his league appearances this season (25/29), the highest share of any player to play at least 20 games in Premier League history.

• Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie has been involved in eight goals in his past eight Premier League home games, scoring six and assisting twice. The only game in this run in which he has not registered a goal or assist was in the Blades’ 6-0 defeat by Arsenal last month.

Former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba told BBC Radio Sheffield's Blades Heaven podcast that Saturday's game against Burnley has to be viewed "as a cup final" by the players.

"This is huge," Asaba said. "I still feel we will not finish bottom because we do not deserve to finish there but this has to be a cup final.

"They need to give the fans something to cheer about and beat Burnley. Let's beat the team closest to us and take some pride from it.

"The players have something to prove to themselves in this game."

In the reverse fixture in December, the Blades were thrashed 5-0 at Turf Moor in a game where Oli McBurnie was sent off.

Both teams continue to fight for a second successive season in the Premier League, with Vincent Kompany's side just four points above Sheffield United having played an extra game.

Listen to the Blades Heaven podcast on BBC Sounds

Ben Meakin
Fan writer

Just when I thought that nothing else could go wrong this season, the news drops that we will start the next campaign with a points deduction. This effectively means that we will finish this season bottom of one league table, and start the following season bottom of another.

It was an alarming development, to say the least, with the added detail that further deductions have been suspended.

The one consolation is that this transgression occurred last season, prior to promotion and the supposed debt-easing prize money that came with it.

At the time, we were hit with a transfer embargo until the payments were made and I am hopeful that this will be the end of the matter – but you'll forgive me if I'm more than a little on edge about it.

Two points may not be much – although removing that many points from about 80% of teams in the Championship right now would ruin their season – but the continuing mismanagement of the club is a tad embarrassing, especially in a season where barely a week has gone by without some kind of on-field or off-field drama.

If anything, it feels like we have got off quite lightly with a two-point deduction.

I can absolutely understand fingers being pointed by teams who failed to catch us for promotion last season, particularly at the fact we were unable to pay (on time) for some of the players that got us into the Premier League.

At this stage, I am just relieved that we are not under another transfer embargo, which would have been far more damaging given the squad turnover we are about to undergo this summer.

All the same, you have to wonder if this will give clubs justifiable pause over doing business with us in the future.

Ben Meakin can be found at the BladesPod, external

Image source, Getty Images

Former Sheffield United defender Ellie Wilson believes Ollie Arblaster's own goal during the 2-0 defeat to Brentford was a "really harsh deflection" in what was a "really good game" for the 19-year-old midfielder.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield's Blades Heaven podcast, Wilson praised Arblaster: "Ollie Arblaster actually had a really good game. He cleared up possession really well on the whole.

"It was a really harsh deflection [for his own goal]. He has tried to block the cross and it has just taken the ball out of the flight of where the goalkeeper was expecting it to go."

Chris Wilder's side are 10 points away from safety with just six games to go, but Wilson is hoping the team can get "another win or two" before the end of the season: "Hopefully it is coming, just to finish the season on a bit of a high. There have been positives to take over the past few games. We have been scoring goals and they have looked fairly good defensively considering there are a lot of players missing.

"There are things to take forward and positives to take, but hopefully they can finish on a high.

"Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be against Brentford, but I don't think the scoreline necessarily reflects the effort and the performance from the boys."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds