Sheffield United Reach Playoff Final with 3-0 Win over Bristol City
TDT | Manama
Sheffield United made light work of Bristol City, securing a comfortable 3-0 win at Bramall Lane on Monday to complete a 6-0 aggregate win in the Championship playoff semi-finals.
The Blades were in control from the outset, with Kieffer Moore breaking the deadlock with a header in the first half. Gustavo Hamer doubled the lead after his shot took a deflection to leave Bristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary stranded. Callum O'Hare wrapped up the victory with a simple finish in the 83rd minute to confirm United's place in the playoff final.
Sheffield United, relegated from the Premier League last season, have shown impressive resilience in their bid for promotion, finishing third in the 2024-25 Championship campaign behind Leeds United and Burnley, who secured automatic promotion.
The Blades will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Sunderland and Coventry City, with the final set for May 24 at Wembley. After a season of highs and lows, Sheffield United's eyes are firmly set on a Premier League return.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Middlesbrough sack manager Michael Carrick
AFP | London Middlesbrough yesterday sacked manager Michael Carrick after the Championship club missed out on a play-off place during the 2024/25 season. The former Manchester United and England midfielder, who previously had a spell as caretaker boss at Old Trafford, had been in charge at Boro since October 2022. The 43-year-old guided Middlesbrough to the Championship play-offs in the 2022/23 season but they have missed out on the top six in the past two campaigns. 'Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick,' the club said in a statement. 'Michael's assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also departed the club. 'We'd like thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.' Middlesbrough won just one of their final six league games to finish 10th in the Championship table, four points off the play-off spots.
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Fernandes Stays Loyal, Rejects Al Hilal
TDT | Manama Bruno Fernandes, the heartbeat of Manchester United's midfield, has turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, opting to chase glory at the highest level with the Reds. The Portuguese star's decision speaks to his ambition to compete in Europe's elite competitions, despite a turbulent season for the club. A Tempting Offer from the Desert Al Hilal's approach was bold. A month ago, their president personally reached out to Fernandes, presenting an offer reported to be four times his current salary. The financial package was staggering, a testament to the Saudi Pro League's growing ambition to attract global stars. Fernandes admitted the proposal gave him pause. 'It was a big offer, very ambitious,' he told reporters while on international duty with Portugal. 'There was a waiting period for me to think about the future.' The allure of such wealth would test any player, but Fernandes' deliberations went beyond the paycheck. This was a decision about legacy, ambition, and where he sees his career at 30. Old Trafford's Pull Ultimately, Fernandes chose to stay, a decision shaped by conversations with his family and Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim. The club made their stance clear: they had no intention of letting their captain go unless he pushed for an exit. Amorim's influence was pivotal, with the coach urging Fernandes to remain and help steer United through their rebuild. 'I spoke to the coach, who really tried to talk me out of it,' Fernandes revealed. 'The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave.' His family played an equally crucial role. 'I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career,' Fernandes said. Those goals, it seems, are tied to the Premier League and the Champions League, competitions where United aim to reassert themselves. 'I want to keep myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it,' he added. 'I am happy with my decision.' A Season of Highs and Lows Fernandes' commitment comes after a bittersweet campaign. The 30-year-old delivered 19 goals and 19 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions, earning Manchester United's Player of the Year award for the fourth time. His performances were a rare bright spot in a season that saw United slump to 15th in the Premier League—their lowest finish in 50 years—and fall to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. Despite the team's struggles, Fernandes' individual brilliance never wavered. His vision, work rate, and knack for decisive moments have made him indispensable, both as a player and as a leader. His decision to stay signals belief in United's potential to climb back to the top under Amorim's guidance. Statement of Intent By rejecting Al Hilal, Fernandes has drawn a line in the sand. This is a player driven not by financial gain but by the pursuit of silverware and the challenge of restoring Manchester United to their former heights. The Saudi Pro League's riches will continue to tempt, but Fernandes' focus remains on the Theatre of Dreams, where he believes he can still shape the club's future. As United prepare for the next season, Fernandes' loyalty offers a foundation to build upon. With Amorim's vision taking shape and a squad eager to redeem last season's disappointments, the captain's resolve could be the spark that ignites a revival. For now, Old Trafford breathes a sigh of relief: their talisman is staying put.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Man City's Kovacic out of Club World Cup after surgery
Mateo Kovacic has undergone surgery on an Achilles injury and will miss the FIFA Club World Cup, Manchester City announced yesterday. The Croatian midfielder, 31, played 42 games for the Premier League club during the recently concluded season, scoring seven goals. ' Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery,' City said in a statement. Fellow midfielder Rodri, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, made his return to action on May 20 after eight months out with a knee injury. But City manager Pep Guardiola has warned he will have to be managed carefully
