United could not fulfill their dream

of returning to the English Premier League. Sheffield lost 2-1 to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium in the play-off final of the English Football League (EFL) Championship. As a result, Sunderland returned to the Premier League after 2017.

Sheffield

Sheffield took the lead in the 25th minute through Tyrese Campbell. They held onto that lead in the first half. Sheffield continued to dominate in the second half, but squandered several opportunities.

Spanish forward Eliza Maeenda equalised for Sunderland in the 76th minute of the match, before Thomas Watson's goal in the fifth minute of added time gave the Black Cats the win.

This loss ended Sheffield United's

season in disappointment. Although they were at the top of the Championship for a long time, they did not get promoted directly to the Premier League due to continuous failures in the end. Then, they raised some hopes with a big win in the play-off semi-finals, but that was dashed in the final.

Bangladeshi-born Hamza Chowdhury could also spend another season in the Championship, as he could return to Leicester City at the end of the current season, who are in a similar situation - they also failed to make it to the Premier League.

This means that if he stays in England, Hamza may have to play in the Championship next season as well.

Brief information

Match: Sheffield United 1–2 Sunderland
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Goalscorers: Tyrese Campbell (Sheffield), Elijah Mayenda and Thomas Watson (Sunderland)
Premier League return: Sunderland (last time 2017)