Sheffield United and Leeds United are separated by a division and their fortunes could not be any more different than the current states of both teams.
A Sheffield United win at Wembley could have benefitted Leeds financially but it was Sunderland who won it late in dramatic fashion through Tommy Watson’s 95th minute winner at Wembley instead, which is where Leeds United failed last season against Southampton.
In the end, Chris Wilder’s side finished just eight points behind Leeds but have had to contend with a rebuild in the Championship in 2025/26, with Sunderland 24 points worse off than Burnley and Leeds but, crucially, now in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side securing promotion from the Championship is the big financial win for all investors and shareholders concerned given the jaw-dropping windfall Leeds have received, but the Blades have missed out on that reward.
They have started the season with five league defeats and six defeats in all competitions, with Ruben Selles overseeing things after Wilder’s dismissal. However, a 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town means it is their worst start in the second tier for 30 years.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesSheffield United have unwanted record concerning Leeds United
Just one year ago, Leeds were in the same position as Sheffield United. Defeat at Wembley to Southampton cast uncertainty over numerous players, which is exactly what Selles and co. had to deal with in the summer.
Leeds’ attentions turned to the Premier League and recruiting for safety, while the Blades rebuilt in the Championship. However, not all hope is lost for Sheffield United given the example Leeds set just one year on in winning the title.
The problem has been their start. The Blades opened the 1995/96 season with five straight defeats and that number is crucial again this season. Leeds lost four league games last season (all 1-0), and Burnley lost twice all season.
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Blades losing more games (5) in the first five games of the season than Leeds lost in all of last season’s Championship is wilder than wild. https://t.co/MXhRWWfNTn
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) September 12, 2025
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Sheffield United have already bettered those statistics, as Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post outlined following the defeat last night. He rubbed salt in the wounds of Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals.
Including play-off matches, Sheffield United have lost 10 of their last 15 games in Championship. That dates back to a famous day of the 2024/25 season, with Wilder’s side losing 1-0 at Oxford United.
That was the same day as Leeds’ last dropped points that season. They drew 1-1 with Luton Town, but won six games from six on their march to the title and with 100 points.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesGeorge Elek’s view of Leeds and Sheffield United last season
George Elek and Ali Maxwell are EFL experts for NTT20 and they had their say on what was to come next at the end of last season. Elek’s Sheffield United and Leeds verdict came after the play-off final.
Maxwell said: “Sheffield United, the third best team in the league — absolutely no doubt. Coasted through the play-off semi-finals, went 1-0 up here, comfortably the better side.
“They’ve been winning games all season by managing them well when they need to. Winning tight games by being smart about it.
“What do we think big picture for Sheffield United? Obviously, they do not join Leeds and Burnley in the Premier League. It mean only one of the teams that came down last season goes back up in the form of Burnley.
“From a sort of Championship balance point of view, we lose Sunderland who didn’t have any parachute payments and Sheffield United stay down. It automatically puts them in a strong position.
“They already have a good squad. Where do you think this leaves them for next season?”
Elek said: “It’s going to be interesting to see how they approach the summer. I’d say some uncertainty, but I think they’re in a great position.
“We stood here last year — they’re not Leeds. They aren’t as good as Leeds were this time last year.
“But we saw Leeds be defeated in the play-off final and we knew that they were going to be strong the season afterwards.”