Sheffield United player ratings as they are shocked 4-1 in their Championship opener vs Bristol City

Add as preferred source on Google

Sheffield United began their 2025/26 Championship campaign with a 4-1 defeat at home against Bristol City from an action-packed opener for the clubs.

The Blades were shocked early on when an incredible Scott Twine free-kick left Michael Cooper stranded to his line, as it nestled in the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead just five minutes into the game.

This seemed to have the desired impact on the Sheffield United players, as they then started moving the ball around with questions being asked of the Bristol City rearguard.

Sheffield United were level in the 14^th minute after superb work, vision and craft from Callum O’Hare.

The midfielder won the ball back after pressing the visitors high following his poor pass, he then drove forward to the edge of the box exchanging passes with a teammate before laying it on a plate for Tyrese Campbell to slot the ball past Radek Vítek in the Robins net, making it 1-1.

Bristol City then had to weather a Sheffield United storm, as the hosts piled on the pressure for the next 10 minutes, before the Robins sucker punched the Blades with a Ross McCrorie goal out of nowhere to make it 2-1 to the visitors and it would stay this way till the interval.

Only 40 seconds into the second half Bristol City made it 3-1, when Anis Mehmeti latched onto a cross into the penalty area and turned it past Michael Cooper in the goal.

Scott Twine would double his tally and make it 4-1 in the 51^st minute, ending any chance of a Sheffield United comeback.

The hosts would continue to battle for a way back into the game, creating a number of half chances but would not be able to change the scoreline.

• READ MORE: Southampton fans are all in agreement after ‘pulsating’ Jack Stephens winner vs Wrexham

Sheffield United player ratings from Championship opener

Michael Cooper – 4

Whenever a goalkeeper has to pick the ball out of their net on four occasions they have not had a stellar game; however, none of the goals were his fault, with only the third being one he could possibly have done better with.

Femi Seriki – 5

Throughout the first half he was fantastic going forward causing all sorts of problems for Bristol City; however, he could not take this into the second half and he was withdrawn relatively early in the second half to spark a comeback.

Tyler Bindon – 4

The defence did not have a lot to deal with through the first half, yet the team conceded two goals from two opportunities, also failing to react early on for the Mehmeti goal in the second half.

Rhys Norrington-Davies – 3

Did not look comfortable at all throughout the match up against Emil Riis, the striker seemed to target him. This led to his withdrawal from the match with Jack Robinson replacing him.

Harrison Burrows – 4

Was notably quiet throughout the match when going forward but struggled to deal with the Bristol City attackers coming down his side in the shape of Ross McCrorie and Scott Twine.

Sydie Peck – 4

A number of misplaced passes and was not able to stop a number of counter attacks, which proved to be detrimental to the result

Andre Brooks – 5

Another player that did not seem to do much noteworthy, he was replaced quite early into the second half to spark a reaction in the second half.

Callum O’Hare – 6

Arguably the best player Sheffield United had on the day with the midfielder being key to everything the club did well in the first half, setting up their goal through magnificent work.

Gustavo Hamer – 4

Struggled to get into the match and dominate the way he had previously under Chris Wilder last season, this may have been due to operating in a role that had him playing deeper.

Louie Barry – 5

Looked a threat throughout the first half, despite not having much of an end product, there were encouraging signs for Sheffield United fans, with the winger needing some time after this debut.

Tyrese Campbell – 5

Appeared isolated up top at times but worked hard throughout. The striker showed how dangerous he could be by finishing the only chance he got.

Substitutes galore for Sheffield United

Jack Robinson – 6

The defender came on with Sheffield United being 4-1 behind; however, his addition to the team seemed to make them more assured at the back.

Ryan One – 5

He has threatened at times but has not been able to have a real impact on the match after his introduction.

Tom Cannon – 4

Did not have the desired impact once introduced; however, he did show signs of danger.

Sam McCallum – 5

Did not get long on the pitch to make an impact, yet he still managed to have one of the few shots on target for Sheffield United.