...With the important game at the Valley in mind it was no little wonder that Neil Warnock fielded a weakened team at Old Trafford. But it paid dividends
Preventing Alan Pardew's Charlton Athletic from winning would be a godsend and a huge result in their quest for Premiership survival. There were just two points separating the Blades and the Addicks with the Sheffield side with the upper hand, but United slowly slipped into the bottom three when by luck Talal El Karkouri (59) put the home side in front.
The former Paris St. German defender ran the ball from his own
area before unleashing from 30 yards out, the ball cannoned off Michael Tonge and then Matthew Kilgallon before slipping past a confused Paddy Kenny for the opening goal. Ten minutes later United hit back via Jonathan Stead who's right foot shot flew past Scott Carson after Nick Montgomery set him up.
The point stopped the Blades from slipping into the bottom three, whilst on the same day the first casualty of the Premiership season fell to Watford. Despite a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Vicarage Road it wasn't enough to ensure Premiership safety and were duly relegated.
Seven days later the Hornets, who knew they would be playing Championship football next season bravely came to Bramall Lane to attempt to upset the masses. Unfortunately for the visitors they were unable to do so, Michael Tonge's (44) deflected shot off Chris Powells head was the difference between the two teams.
At the other end Marlon King hit the bar late on but it was defender Clarke Carlisle who was making the headlines for the wrong reasons. Jonathan Stead looked set to run one-on-one with keeper Ben Foster but the former Leeds United defender managed to prevent Stead with an opportunity by using his elbow. Referee Martin Atkinson wrongly booked Danny Shittu with Carlisle ready to take his second yellow card.
Sheffield United had quite a satisfactory month, with seven points claimed a total of fifth teen, only the home defeat to Newcastle United disappointed. On BBC's Match of the Day United see goals from Michael Tonge (v West Ham United) and Jonathan Stead (v Charlton Athletic) nominated for 'Goal of the Month' competition.
Results
- 07 April - Blades 1-2 Newcastle United
- 14 April - Blades 3-0 West Ham United
- 17 April - Manchester United 2-0 Blades
- 21 April - Charlton Athletic 1-1 Blades
- 28 April - Blades 1-0 Watford
Blades-Mad Player of the Month: 1. Luton Shelton, 2. Michael Tonge, 3. Jonathan Stead