With Tommy Doyle and James McAtee ineligible to face their parent club in the final-four clash, United have been denied the services of two of their most influential players in recent weeks – to add to the already unenviable task of facing Pep Guardiola’s Premier League superstars.
With that in mind, we tasked our Blades writers James Shield and Danny Hall to pick the side they would send out to face City in a bid to reach the club’s first FA Cup final since 1936. Here's what they came up with ...
. All eyes on the arch
Sheffield United face Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon: Tom Dulat/Getty Images Photo: Tom Dulat
. Danny Hall's team
Our Sheffield United writers have been tasked with picking their side for Wembley this weekend - here are Danny's selections Photo: Submit
. Wes Foderingham
Adam Davies was a capable deputy during Foderingham’s two-game absence but he also wasn’t exactly severely tested against Cardiff and Bristol City - with the reigning Prem champions a different proposition altogether. A little harsh perhaps but Foderingham comes back into my side Photo: Simon Bellis
. George Baldock
The usual tossup between Baldock and Bogle comes down in the former’s favour for me. Baldock is superior defensively and no slouch going forward either - but United will have to be switched on at the back to have any chance in this one, so he gets the nod Photo: DARREN STAPLES
. Anel Ahmedhodzic
Baby depending, Ahmedhodzic starts. A man with experience of big occasions and playing against big players for club and country, I’d give him the task of shackling (or attempting to shackle) Haaland Photo: Simon Bellis
. John Egan
Also no stranger to appearing against top strikers, having shared a pitch with Kylian Mbappe not so long ago. Absolutely superb on Tuesday night and leads out the Blades at Wembley in my side Photo: Simon Bellis
. Jack Robinson
A tough call with Ciaran Clark fit again and possessing Premier League and international experience, but Robinson deserves to keep the shirt and will hopefully rise to the occasion. One thing is for sure, no City player will relish a 50-50 against him - or even an 80-20 in their favour! Photo: Richard Sellers
. Max Lowe
The only fit and available senior left-back at Heckingbottom’s disposal will get the nod again at Wembley. Could be given the tough task of shackling Riyad Mahrez which will be a real test Photo: Andrew Yates
. Ollie Norwood
Having Tommy Doyle and James McAtee ruled out is a real blow but a player of Norwood’s quality is no bad replacement. When United do have the ball it will likely go through him and he has proved this season he is very good off the ball as well - as he’ll need to be on Saturday Photo: Naomi Baker
. Sander Berge
This is one of those occasions when United need their big players to step up and Berge is amongst that category. His first time at Wembley, he has in-depth knowledge of Haaland from their international commitments and if United are to have a chance you imagine he’ll have to play to his undoubted potential Photo: Simon Bellis
. Iliman Ndiaye
To have any chance of progressing to the final, United will also have to show some attacking prowess - and no man has more of that than Ndiaye, who will not be fazed by the prospect of facing City and will see it as the perfect chance to make Wembley his stage. He plays in the McAtee role for me, supporting the front two when the chance allows Photo: Cameron Smith
1. All eyes on the arch
Sheffield United face Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon: Tom Dulat/Getty Images Photo: Tom Dulat
2. Danny Hall's team
Our Sheffield United writers have been tasked with picking their side for Wembley this weekend - here are Danny's selections Photo: Submit
3. Wes Foderingham
Adam Davies was a capable deputy during Foderingham’s two-game absence but he also wasn’t exactly severely tested against Cardiff and Bristol City - with the reigning Prem champions a different proposition altogether. A little harsh perhaps but Foderingham comes back into my side Photo: Simon Bellis
4. George Baldock
The usual tossup between Baldock and Bogle comes down in the former’s favour for me. Baldock is superior defensively and no slouch going forward either - but United will have to be switched on at the back to have any chance in this one, so he gets the nod Photo: DARREN STAPLES