(Credit: Imago)
Sun 23 November 2025 19:00, UK
Leeds United fans have kept a close eye on Patrick Bamford during his debut for Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.
The striker came off the bench for the Blades midway through the second half of their Steel City Derby success, as they saw off their bitter rivals by an emphatic 3-0 scoreline.
Bamford had his contract terminated at Leeds at the end of August, and he was forced to find a new club after over 190 appearances in the famous white shirt.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Bamford was in line for a move to the MLS at one stage, but he ultimately ended up joining the ranks at Bramall Lane.
The 32-year-old got off to the ideal start with Sheffield United thanks to their derby victory this weekend, and there was plenty of discussion surrounding his display after the game.
Credit: ImagoLeeds fans poke fun at Bamford’s finishing after Sheffield United chance
Bamford’s arrival at Sheffield United received a positive reaction from their supporters, who have been keen to see him step onto the pitch in their colours for the first time.
The frontman replaced Danny Ings with 20 minutes remaining at Hillsborough on Sunday, and he enjoyed the kind of cameo that fans have become accustomed to seeing from him over the years.
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Bamford showed some touches of real quality during his brief appearance, but also squandered a golden chance to net his first goal for his new club, as he saw his backheeled effort saved by Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Ethan Horvath at his near post.
The miss drew a predictable reaction from Leeds fans on X, who were quick to poke fun at their former star for his ability to convert chances in front of goal.
bamford doing what bamford does best lol
— Fallingapartagain (@paulblanch2468) November 23, 2025
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One supporter reacted to the chance by writing “Bamford doing what Bamford does best lol,” while another laughed at the fact that he had just missed a “sitter.”
Bamford just missed a sitter 🤣
5 year premier league contract under #lufc fraud MB
Disgrace
— Whiteandright Americans Out (@Lonewhite101) November 23, 2025
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Bamford on is own six yard box misses seen that somewhere 😜🤣🤣🤣🤣😍
— Graham noble (@Grahamnoble12) November 23, 2025
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Bamford you’re flick iSnT going in folklore
— Skyva (@TheRealSkyva) November 23, 2025
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Bamford said he was fit, its only been on the pitch for 20 minutes and he’s blown out his hole.
— Jason O’Keeffe 💙💛 (@Jasonokscoop) November 23, 2025
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Meanwhile, Sheffield United fans were much quicker to pile the praise on the performance from their new star.
Bamford was excellent when he came on should have had a goal and assist as well 👏
— Reece (@FowlerReece) November 23, 2025
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Bamford had a decent half hr. Looked composed 👌unlucky not to get on the score sheet
— David (@originalbainzey) November 23, 2025
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The forward created one big chance during his cameo and recorded an xG of 0.4.
Patrick Bamford hasn’t started a competitive game in over a year
Bamford was briefly training with Coventry City after his departure from Elland Road was confirmed, and the question marks that have surrounded his fitness in recent weeks are certainly justified.
The former Chelsea star hadn’t played a single minute of competitive football until he was introduced by Chris Wilder during Sunday’s clash, and he has had to wait even longer to start a game.
Bamford didn’t start a single league game for the Whites in the entirety of their promotion-winning Championship campaign last term, and you have to go back to August 2024 for the last time he started in competitive action.
That came in a Carabao Cup clash with Middlesbrough, and Wilder must surely bear that in mind in the coming weeks.
He will be keen to get Bamford involved more frequently throughout his short-term contract, but it is also vital that they do not try and build up his minutes too quickly.