It’s been a period of only three promotions to the Premier League but containing plenty of near-misses, drama and a huge turnover of players - some who made their mark and others who, well, simply disappeared without trace. There have been impressive loanees, big-money signings and also bargain frees who have played their part in shaping this club’s recent history.
But who would make a list of the 25 best players to have played for the Blades in the last quarter-of-a-century? It’s an impossible task - but we made our man do it anyway, compiling his thoughts for you to agree with or ridicule. Presented in no particular order, here are our best Blades from the last 25 years...
9. Chris Basham
The other overlapping centre-back alongside O’Connell, Basham is now in his 10th season at Bramall Lane and has also picked up a serious injury that will have a long road to recovery. Essentially coined a new role in his name and there are few who can play it better. A true Legend at the Lane Photo: Harriet Lander
10. Chris Morgan
Captain Morgan led United into the Premier League in 2005/06 and was unfortunate not to taste more of the top-flight. Another superb servant to the club on and off the pitch, he later had spells in charge of the Blades before moving into agency work Photo: Steve Parkin
11. John Fleck
Will forever be remembered for kickstarting the Bouncing Day massacre but for so long Fleck was a genuine pleasure to watch in midfield – bossing League One, dominating in the Championship and then performing so well in the Premier League that talk of a £20m move to Arsenal seemed entirely plausible. Injuries have not been kind in recent years but his name deserves respect | Getty Images
12. Iliman Ndiaye
One of the most gifted footballers ever to wear the Sheffield United shirt. His contract U-turn and subsequent exit may have sullied his memory a little in some eyes but some of the things he did with a football were out of this world. Genuinely such a humble human being as well Photo: OLI SCARFF