Shrewsbury crash to their third straight defeat as their form at the Greenhous Meadow continues to be a bugbear.
The upheaval surrounding the appointment of a new manager, perhaps needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.
But Shrewsbury have only won one of their last 13 games in all competitions, suggesting there is something deeper that is affecting the club.
Danny Coyne made four changes to the side that lost 3-2 against Walsall on Saturday. Ivan Toney, Gary Deegan, Olly Lancashire, and Mat Sadler were all drafted in.
The game got off to a slow start, and despite the Blades controlling possession Billy Sharp’s blocked pile driver was the only action worth noting in the opening half an hour.
On the half hour mark, Jayson Leutwiler was forced into the first save of the contest. Former Derby County full-back Kieran Freeman tried his luck from outside the box, but Salop’s goalkeeper managed to push the ball to safety.
The first half saw many players pick up needless bookings, and it was becoming a relatively dull affair.
An intricate free-kick saw the ball knocked towards Chris Basham, who’s effort was deflected behind for a corner.
Shrewsbury finally showed some attacking intent at the end of the first period. Junior Brown’s lofted free-kick was flicked on by former Oxford loanee George Waring. Olly Lancashire was unable to profit with his header flying over the bar.
Then former Coventry City midfielder John Fleck drilled a powerful attempt agonisingly wide of the target.
At the beginning of the second half, Fleck stung the palms of Leutwiler, as the away side began to seize control.
They were ahead moments later. Former Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp found the top corner with a sublime strike that Leutwiler had no chance of keeping out.
Jayson Leutwiler was called into routine action when Burnley loanee Danny Lafferty fired straight into his midriff.
Just past the hour, Mark Duffy’s angled free-kick struck the bar, as Salop were beginning to resemble a boxer on the ropes.
In the next phase of play United doubled their advantage. Junior Brown’s shoddy clearance, eventually saw Danny Lafferty cushion a header against the bar and over the line.
Midfielder Paul Coutts forced Jayson Leutwiler to claw his effort away. However, 30 seconds later, the Blades notched their third.
A fine ball into the box saw Sharp turn home, scoring his second of the evening in the process.
Shrewsbury did try to rally towards the end of the game. Joe Riley’s goal bound free-kick was expertly stopped by former Brentford goalkeeper Simon Moore.
Then Louis Dodds back from a hamstring injury, saw his powerful drive heroically blocked.
Shrewsbury find themselves bottom of the league and will hope a new manager is appointed by the time they play Northampton on Saturday. Sheffield United move up to 4th, they travel to Bradford in their next match.
Attendance: 5,460 (1,014 away fans)
Team Line Ups:
Shrewsbury Town: (3-4-1-2)
1. Leutwiler, 14. Grimmer, 5. Lancashire, 3. Sadler, 2. Riley, 18. Deegan, 8. Ogogo, 12. Brown, 16. Sarcevic (65), 27. Waring (65), 9. Toney
Subs: 6. Black, 10. Dodds (65), 11. O’Brien, 19. Mangan (65), 20. Leitch-Smith, 21. Halstead, 29. Ebanks-Blake
Subs Not Used: 6. Black, 11. O’Brien, 20. Leitch-Smith, 21. Halstead, 29. Ebanks-Blake
Sheffield United: (3-5-2)
25. Moore, 19. Ebanks-Landell, 6. Basham, 13. Wright, 18. Freeman (89), 4. Fleck, 21. Duffy (83), 15. Coutts, 24. Lafferty, 10. Sharp, 11. Done
Subs: 3.Hussey, 8. Scougall, 9. Lavery, 12. Ramsdale, 14. Brown (89), 23. Whiteman (83), 32. Chapman
Subs Not Used: 3.Hussey, 8. Scougall, 9. Lavery, 12. Ramsdale, 32. Chapman
Other League One Results:
Bradford 1 – 1 Southend
Bury 1 – 2 AFC Wimbledon
Chesterfield 0 – 1 Fleetwood
Coventry 2 – 1 Oxford
Gillingham 1 – 1 Walsall
Millwall 0 – 2 Bolton
MK Dons 3 – 3 Bristol Rovers
Oldham 2 – 0 Scunthorpe
Peterborough 3 – 0 Northampton
Port Vale 1 – 1 Charlton
Swindon 3 – 0 Rochdale
Report by: Ryan Hillback