Sheffield United the laughing stock of the Premier League – they may not return for a while

At some clubs they ban the “R” word during the season, as relegation is unthinkable. But it has been a different story at Sheffield United, where dropping back to the Championship has come off a long run-up and was confirmed at St James’ Park. They have not won two consecutive matches all season and even victory in their final three games will see them rooted in the bottom three.