Sheffield United showed no signs of slowing down in their pre-season preparations, defeating local rivals Rotherham United 5-0 at the New York Stadium over the weekend.
The Blades looked slick, organised, and merciless in front of goal, putting on a polished display for their travelling fans against the League One side.
After 15 minutes, Ryan Oné delivered a moment of exceptional brilliance. Picking up the ball on the left, the strong forward burst through Rotherham’s defence, his powerful low shot taking a tiny deflection but passing the goalkeeper to give United a well-deserved early lead.
Manager Ruben Selles called the substitutions at halftime, as expected, but the Blades maintained their lead. Only four minutes after the restart, Jefferson Caceres threaded a magnificent through pass into the path of Tyrese Campbell, who remained composed under pressure to slide his effort past the onrushing goalkeeper and increase the lead.
Andre Brooks scored his third after 63 minutes. The dynamic winger surged into the right channel of the penalty box before switching to his left foot and putting the ball home.
The fourth came at the 72nd minute. Tom Cannon, who had been pulled down just outside the area, got back up and fired a ferocious low free kick into the near post, catching the Rotherham wall and goalkeeper off surprise.
Five minutes from the end, the scoring was accomplished. Brooks, once again important, sent a precise diagonal pass to Cannon’s foot. The striker played a clever pass through to Callum O’Hare, who curled a first-time shot into the top corner to conclude an outstanding team performance.
Sheffield United’s Standout Players So Far in Two Pre-season Games
Sheffield United will face another League One side, Burton Albion, on Tuesday evening as preparations continue. Andre Brooks and Ryan Oné, two young players who have featured on opposite flanks thus far, have both scored in Ruben Selles’ first two games as Blades manager.
Selles was full of praise for Oné as he spoke with SUTV following another high-scoring game, with the Scottish youth international continuing to impress with his directness and physicality:
“It’s not only about his goal contribution; he clearly has one. I believe he is a player who has applied himself effectively since the first day. With the way he plays the game, he can play in any of the front three positions, and for the time being, I’m with him and counting on him.
Selles was pleased with the team’s overall performance, but acknowledged there is still much work to be done.
He stated, “I believe we are accomplishing many of the objectives we set for ourselves. Still, there are a lot of pictures in the game and defending scenarios that we haven’t been able to manage due to the amount of time we’ve had together, but based on the situations we’ve encountered in the two matches and in training, the team is getting there pretty quickly, and we need to keep building because every team is unique. “I believe we have more levels to add to our game.”
Sheffield United Youngsters Looking to impress
Billy Blacker, a quality holding midfielder, did not play against Rotherham this weekend. The 19-year-old midfielder recently joined Tranmere Rovers on a season-long loan after making two professional outings for United. Blacker did play against York City, when he screened the defenders well and even assisted in moving the ball through the thirds, albeit against lower competition.
There is still plenty of time for other young players to make an impression this preseason and even find a loan move to gain experience in regular senior football. As for Oné, he appears to be one of United’s most potent threats heading into the 25/26 Championship season.
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