"Hopefully that will give them confidence" - pundits' verdict on Sheffield United's FA Cup win ahead of Man United clash

Sheffield United were able to forget about their league woes for 90 minutes on Saturday when they defeated Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round.
Sheffield United strike Billy Sharp shoots during the 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Photo: Tim Goode/PA Wire.Sheffield United strike Billy Sharp shoots during the 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Photo: Tim Goode/PA Wire.
Sheffield United strike Billy Sharp shoots during the 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Photo: Tim Goode/PA Wire.

The Blades’ troubles have been well chronicled having won just one game in the top flight this season to leave them marooned at the foot of the table with only five points to their name.

But they were able to get some temporary respite at Bramall Lane on Saturday by beating the Pilgrims 2-1 to secure a fifth round home tie against Bristol City.

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Speaking after the game, United manager manager Chris Wilder saluted his side’s professionalism to get the ‘job done’ against the League One outfit.

“Apart from five minutes or so towards the end, when we gifted them something and all credit to them they took it, I thought we were on top,” he said.

“Arguably, we should have stretched our lead but, again, they dug in and tried to make it difficult.

“It was job done. That’s the most important thing. And now we move on.”

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But what did the pundits make of United’s win over the Pilgrims?

Let’s take a look.

Dion Dublin, former Manchester United striker and Match of the Day pundit

"They may get a bad name Sheffield United, but they played some good intricate stuff. They were patient.”

And on the penalty which wasn't given by VAR Jarred Gillett when Kelland Watts appeared to handle a well-struck shot from Ethan Ampadu, he said: “You know what, it’s a poor effort in the first place because it’s going wide, but I don’t know why his hands were up there.

“I don’t know why he has to lift his hands up in that situation. It’s a penalty.”

Alex Scott, ex-Arsenal and England defender and Match of the Day pundit

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"Hopefully that will give them confidence because they have got a huge couple of games coming up against Manchester United and Manchester City and then West Brom and Chelsea. It’s a huge couple of weeks for them.”

Jermaine Jenas, former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder and BT Sport Score pundit

"Overall Sheffield United thoroughly deserved the win and probably should have had more. The changes (made by Wilder) really helped them see out those last 10 minutes (after Plymouth scored) as they needed to.

"Plymouth showed little spells within the game where they had some quality and got a goal, but yes in the end the best team went through.”

Michael Brown, former Blades midfielder and match summariser on BBC 5Live Sport

"Overall Sheffield United (produced) a real, controlled performance . . . they had some good possession and created opportunities.

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"I’d have liked a couple of more chances from them but not getting that third goal and the mistake from (Chris) Basham allowed a late rally from Plymouth and they showed some heart and some fight towards the end of the game but ultimately Sheffield United controlled the game and deserved to go through in the tie.”

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