Wilder Delighted With Sheffield United’s 'Controlled and Dominant' Display

Sheffield United kicked off 2026 in emphatic style, producing a commanding display to sweep aside Leicester City 3-1 at Bramall Lane and underline their growing momentum under Chris Wilder.

From the opening whistle, United were on the front foot and set the tone early. Patrick Bamford almost delivered the perfect start when he met an early cross on the volley, forcing Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk into a sharp reflex save.

That chance proved to be an early warning as the Blades continued to press aggressively, with Andre Brooks emerging as a constant thorn in Leicester’s side down the right. Brooks’ direct running and confidence on the ball carved out two early opportunities for Bamford as the visitors struggled to find any rhythm.

The pressure finally told in the 36th minute, and the breakthrough was fully deserved. Sam McCallum delivered a wicked inswinging corner, and Japhet Tanganga timed his movement superbly, rising above former Blade Luke Thomas to power a header beyond the helpless Stolarczyk and send Bramall Lane into celebration.

United picked up exactly where they left off after the interval and doubled their lead soon after the restart. Brooks once again demonstrated his determination, outmuscling Thomas before cutting the ball back intelligently for Tom Cannon. The striker made no mistake, drilling a low finish past Stolarczyk in front of the Kop to cap off another incisive attacking move.

Leicester offered little in response, with United always looking the more likely to add to their tally. After Djibril Soumaré diverted one effort wide, the third goal duly arrived. Callum O’Hare was the man to finish it, finding the net after Femi Seriki’s assist, which itself owed much to a perfectly weighted pass from Oliver Arblaster. It was a move that encapsulated United’s composure, energy and control throughout the afternoon.

The visitors did manage a late consolation in the second minute of stoppage time when substitute Jordan Ayew teed up Jordan James, whose effort beat Michael Cooper via a slight deflection. It was a rare blemish on an otherwise near-flawless home performance and did little to alter the overall narrative of United’s dominance.

Chris Wilder Delighted With “Dominant Performance”

After the match, Chris Wilder was understandably delighted with both the performance and the result.

“It was a really dominant performance against a top group of players,” the Blades boss said on SUTV. “I’m a touch disappointed because Michael deserved a clean sheet and he’s been beaten by a deflection late on, but our xG [conceded] was the lowest of the season and that shows how we controlled the game against quality opposition.

“The substitutes came on and picked up from where the others had left off. The intensity of our performance and not allowing good players the chance to play was key. I was looking to my left a lot in the first half and to my right a lot in the second, which shows the level of performance across the pitch.

“We’ve scored from set plays and open play recently, I’m not bothered how we get the goals. We created good chances and everyone was a seven or eight, with a couple of nines.”

Sheffield United Striker Impresses Boss