Sheffield United must use Leeds United example after Championship play-off final heartbreak

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For the second successive season, a club from Yorkshire has tasted defeat in the Championship play-off final, with Sheffield United losing out in this year’s edition.

Sunderland left it late to secure their place in the Premier League for 2025/26, with Eliezer Mayenda levelling the tie after Tyrese Campbell had opened the scoring in the 25th minute.

Tommy Watson’s final touch in a Black Cats shirt was magical, as he guided the ball effortlessly into the bottom corner to win the game in added time, to cap off an incredible first season in England for Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland’s delight was and still is Sheffield United’s turmoil, but the Blades can use one of their rivals as an example on how to come back from Championship play-off heartbreak.

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Sheffield United must copy Leeds United blueprint next season

Following the final whistle at Wembley in 2024, Leeds United were crestfallen but they went into the summer with positivity and despite losing some of their star players, they came back and proved to be a dominant force.

Wilder is well aware of the strength that the Whites have, and Daniel Farke secured the Championship title on the final day of the campaign against Plymouth Argyle – beating Burnley to the top spot on goal difference.

Sheffield United may lose some of their key men in the transfer window, and finding the right replacements will be the difference between a third season in the Championship or a return to the Premier League.

The Blades are in the exact same position as their Yorkshire rivals were 12 months ago, who also missed out on an instant return to the top flight at Wembley. However, this may give them more opportunity to prepare and it could give them more chance in the Premier League if they do finish in the top two in 2025/26.

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Chris Wilder will be wanting to end the Blades’ play-off association

After a 10th failure in the play-offs for Sheffield United, next season’s full focus has to be on automatic promotion – something that Wilder has a rich history of with the South Yorkshire outfit.

It’s been a part of the Blades’ history that supporters have wanted to forget, with one fan not even travelling to Wembley on Saturday.

The financial incentives of winning the play-offs are huge, but Wilder knows better than anyone how much more relaxed automatic promotion is compared to the drama that comes through those three games.

Leeds were able to keep a solid core of their squad together for the 2024/25 season, but added quality to it throughout, with the addition of Ao Tanaka their very best signing. If Sheffield United can have a similar summer, then next season could be a very good one for them.