It is actually only just over four years since a humiliating last-day defeat at home to Scunthorpe United proved the final straw for boss Nigel Adkins, and paved the way for Chris Wilder to take over his boyhood club. The rest, they say, is history… but here’s what happened to Adkins’ final Blades XI.
9. Martyn Woolford
A favourite at Scunthorpe United, Woolford couldn't hit the same heights after reuniting with Adkins at United. Last seen at Boston United in the National League North Photo: Sport Image
10. Billy Sharp
Captain, leader, legend. One of Adkins' best moves as United manager was to bring Sharp back home from Leeds, and his goals eventually fired United out of League One... and then into the Premier League. Photo: Simon Bellis
11. Che Adams
Another player now plying his trade in the Premier League, albeit not with United. Adams was sold to Birmingham City early in Wilder's reign and was then flogged to Southampton, in a deal worth a reported £15m. Photo: Simon Bellis
12. SUBS: Aaron Ramsdale
Now Bournemouth's No.1 goalkeeper after joining them from the Blades, and tipped by many as a future England international Photo: Sport Image