Stoke City faced Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon, here’s how we rated Mark Robins’ men
Brian Dick Reach Football Correspondent
17:04, 06 Dec 2025
Sheffield United’s Patrick Bamford heads in his side’s third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramhall Lane(Image: PA)
Stoke City suffered a four-goal humiliation at Bramall Lane as rejuvenated Sheffield United tore Mark Robins men apart in a devastating first half display.
Three goals from Mark McGuinness, Femi Seriki and Patrick Bamford put the Blades in control and a late penalty from Sydie Peck completed what was a demolition job.
Robins made four changes to his starting line-up – in defence, midfield and up front – and in truth Stoke played in the first half as though they were meeting for the first time.
They were 3-0 down at the break, had no shots on target and no answer to the Blades in either open or set-play.
Stoke were warned in the second minute when McGuinness won a free header at a corner and could only nod way over the crossbar with no-one challenging him.
The defender had another free header in the tenth minute and this time he guided Gus Hamer’s corner across goal and into the far corner leaving Viktor Johansson helpless.
The 6ft 3ins centre back would go on to win first contacts on four more set-pieces inside the Stoke box in the first half alone and if there was a surprise it was that it took another half hour for the next goal to arrive.
When it did, it came from a corner which was cleared to the edge of the box but not closed down as Seriki had time to pick out Johansson’s top corner from the D.
Four minutes later, former Stoke man Tyrese Campbell chased a lost cause to the byeline and crossed into the middle where Bosun Lawal stood and watched as Patrick Bamford stooped to head home.
Chris Wilder’s side took their foot off the gas in the second half, although Andre Brooks did nearly catch Johansson out with a long-range daisy-cutter than almost squirmed through the ‘keeper’s grasp.
As both manager’s made changes the game lost rhythm but Stoke did fashion a very good chance when Tchamadeu crossed for Divin Mubama. The striker powered a solid header goalwards but straight at Michael Cooper. Million Manhoef’s follow up was blocked.
The gloom deepened 13 minutes from the end when Ashley Phillips, on as a sub for the ineffective Tomas Rigo, was booked for dragging down Brooks. Sydie Peck stepped up to make it 4-0 from the spot.
Here’s how we rated the Potters’ players.
Johansson 5
Was offered no protection in the first half, was a sitting duck as McGuinness dominated the skies. This was an afternoon when the Swede was unable to summon his customary brilliance.
Tchamadeu 5
Booked for pulling back Bamford in a poor opening 45 in which he was offered no help from Seko or Manhoef. Put in Stoke’s best cross of the game after the break.
Lawal 4.5
Looked leaden footed on a slippy pitch. Lucky to escape without censure when Campbell picked his pocket. Didn’t move a muscle as Bamford scored the third in front of him. Moved into midfield at half time and did OK there.
Wilmot 4.5
Recalled after a sitting out the last game and struggled to contain Bamford and Campbell. Was Stoke’s only aerial presence in the Blades area.
Bocat 4.5
With Cresswell rested Bocat came in and found himself part of a back four that had no answers in the first period. Found Brooks a real handful.
Seko 4.5
Tried to get Stoke moving in a dire first half but couldn’t stop the team crumbling. Let Hamer have the run of the place.
Rigo 4
Had zero impact in the game and was replaced at half time. Stoke needed someone to make a mark in the middle of the park. Rigo didn’t.
Manhoef 5
Didn’t help Tchamadeu enough when it was obvious Hamer was pulling out on to the Stoke right. If you blinked you might have missed the one or two first half attacking flashes. Had a shot in the second half which was blocked.
Jun-ho 5
Spread played well on the odd occasion Stoke could get forward, got behind to send in a low cross for Mubama just before the break. No real influence on the game.
Thomas 6
Looked his team’s only real attacking outlet. Sent in his crosses, didn’t find a man. Was subbed early-ish in the second half to protect him from another booking.
Mubama 4
A passenger for the first 45 minutes, just eight touches and no impact. Had one chance but headed straight at the goalkeeper. Stoke need more.
Substitutes
Phillips (for Rigo, HT) A fifht booking and now banned for Ipswich. Did OK though 6
Gallagher (for Thomas, 57) A thankless task playing at the top of a malfunctionig team 5
Cisse (for Manhoef, 71) A couple of runs but nothing to excite too much 5
Bozenik (for Mubama, 83) N/A
Nzonzi (for Lawal, 83) N/A
Not used: Bonham, Talovierov, Cresswell, Donley
Opposition
Sheff Utd: Cooper; Seriki, Tanganga, McGuinness (Bindon HT), McCallum (Burrows 78); Peck, Riedewald (Soumare 65); Brooks, Hamer (O’Hare 71); Campbell, Bamford (Cannon 65). Not used: Davies, Arblaster, Ings, Chong
Goals
Sheff Utd: McGuinness (10), Seriki (40), Bamford (44), Peck (pen 77)
Stoke:
Referee: Stephen Martin
Attendance: 28.044
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