United, then in League One, had already booked their place in the last four of the League Cup and continued their knockout success at Loftus Road, with Jamal Campbell-Ryce scoring twice after Marc McNulty had put the Blades ahead. QPR boss Harry Redknapp made seven changes, but the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Charlie Austin were still on the hosts’ teamsheet as they were humbled by Nigel Clough’s side.
"We were confident but when you come away to Premier League sides you've got to work hard and get the blocks in like we did,” then-Blades coach Chris Morgan said afterwards. We know we can come and compete with top teams. It's great to have a run in the cup - great for supporters and for the revenue of the club."
But what happened to the Blades’ side from that day? Let’s have a look ...
5. Jay McEveley
Partnering Basham at centre-half against Southampton, McEveley later became United's captain and, for some fans, the symbol of their struggles in League One. Was released by Wilder and dropped down the levels. In November 2020, he was named head of academy coaching at Prestatyn Town Photo: Laurence Griffiths
6. Bob Harris
Signed from Blackpool in 2014, Harris spent two years at Bramall Lane and was another part of the side that reached the FA Cup semi-finals under Nigel Clough. An attacking full back, Harris left in 2016 and later played for Bristol Rovers and FC United of Manchester before taking his coaching badges Photo: JPI
7. Jamal Campbell-Ryce
A mercurially-talented winger who could be a world-beater on his day, Campbell-Ryce scored two goals against QPR as the Blades went through to the next round. He later became a coach at Colchester United's academy before spells at Stevenage and Peterborough. He left Posh late in 2023 to take up a new role in the USA Photo: Tony Marshall
8. Michael Doyle
The Irishman played over 200 games for the Blades in the middle of midfield, captaining them to the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Bramall Lane. Now 42, he was appointed as National League side Woking's new manager last year Photo: Laurence Griffiths