"More than disappointing": Wilder hits out at 'errors' after Blades knocked out of FA Cup
“The goals are just ridiculous. Poor goals from individual errors."
Last updated 12th Jan 2026
Sheffield United were knocked out of the FA Cup after losing 4-3 to Mansfield Town in a thrilling third-round clash at Bramall Lane.
The Blades fought hard, with goals from Gus Hamer and Patrick Bamford, as well as a Nathan Moriah-Welsh own goal. However, it wasn’t enough to defeat Mansfield, who netted through Louis Reed, Rhys Oates, and Lucas Akins. Reed, a former Sheffield United player, scored twice against his old club.
Mansfield manager Nigel Clough praised his team's attacking quality after the match:
“Wonderful day for us, for everybody, and no more so than the supporters. When you bring nearly 5,000 fans, although it's just up the road, there's a responsibility that comes with that to put on a performance and have a go, and the players certainly did that.
“I thought the quality of the four goals we scored - their first one as well - was outstanding.
“It means an awful lot to the club. Someone told me it’s the first time in 55 years we've beaten a team from the league above or the Championship, so it’s special.”
United boss Chris Wilder was left frustrated, blaming "individual errors" for the defeat.
“More than disappointing. I didn't pick a team to get knocked out of the cup," Wilder said.
“The goals are just ridiculous. Poor goals from individual errors.
“We knew the approach of the opposition, which is absolutely fine. They're going to sit in and try to hit us on the counter.
“It's up to us to break them down, and we did at times, without finding that last little bit. But when you're doing that, you just can't concede really poor goals."
United pushed for an equaliser late in the game, with Bamford going down under a challenge in the penalty area. However, their appeal was waved away.
The loss adds to disappointment for Blades fans, as the team looks to regroup for their Sheffield United league campaign.