As Sheffield United face Manchester City in the final fixture of 2023, we take a look at some of the past encounters between the Blades and the Citizens.
Sheffield United’s record at Manchester City has been disappointing. They have yet to win, nor score, at the Etihad Stadium since they first met in October 2006, where they drew 0-0. Since then, City have recorded a 2-0 victory in 2019-20, and 1-0 in 2020-21.
City have the overall advantage having recorded 52 victories in league and cup against the Blades. The two clubs have met on 123 occasions with United victorious on 37 occasions (34 draws).
First Time
Saturday, 4th March 1893 – The 1892/93 campaign was the first Second Division in existence after the Football League authorities expanded opportunities beyond the First Division. Both the Blades and Manchester City, or rather, Adwick as they were known then were granted election into the league.
The two teams played both league encounters in March 1893 with United winning both games. The first meeting took place at City’s former ground, Hyde Road before a crowd of 3,000, with the Blades prevailing 3-2 winners. However, they had to come from behind after trailing 2-1 at the break, before United netted twice in the second half to seal the maximum two points on offer.
The two sides met again on 25th March at Bramall Lane where United recorded a 2-1 victory. City stayed at Hyde Road until 1923. When they opened their new ground, Maine Road, on 25th August 1923, 58,159 spectators witnessed a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the stadium’s first game.
Memorable Match
Saturday, 28th September 1996 – City were seen as top dogs following their relegation from the Premiership and into the Nationwide League Division One. Naturally, they were expected to bounce back at the first attempt. Sadly, for them, that wasn’t the case and in 1998 they fell to the third tier.
United were victorious on this occasion, winning 2-0. Blades boss Howard Kendall had turned down the managerial job at Maine Road weeks earlier and would have been overjoyed to see his loyalty repaid with a victory. Mitch Ward was the star of the show as he first netted a first-half penalty in stoppage time after defender Darren Wassell fouled Gareth Taylor in the box.
Ward proved the catalyst for the Blades’ second goal of the afternoon, setting up Taylor’s header on 49 minutes after the striker beat Eddie McGoldrick to the ball. United was denied a third goal moments later after Mark Patterson saw his effort cannon off the post.