How and when Sheffield United can be promoted after Luton Town, Middlesbrough midweek results

After Tuesday night’s victory over Bristol City, Sheffield United can now take a break from focusing on the league and look towards this weekend’s mammoth FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Beating Nigel Pearson’s side moved United eight points clear of third-placed Luton Town, who subsequently closed the gap to seven with a 1-1 draw away at struggling Reading. Middlesbrough moved to within a point of Luton after coming from behind to beat Hull City, with the two promotion-chasers set to face each other on Monday night.

United boss explains McAtee decision as Man City man shines again

If results had gone against Luton and Boro last night, United could have been promoted on Monday night had that game ended in a draw. But Luton’s draw rendered that scenario impossible - although, whatever happens between their two biggest rivals two days earlier, United will be promoted on Wednesday evening if they beat West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane.

If Boro and Luton do draw on Monday evening, a point will be enough to seal United’s place in the Premier League this season. Effectively, either side must win all three of their remaining matches and hope United only take one more point between now and the end of the campaign.

Fresh prediction on promotion race and points totals for Blades, Luton & rivals

As Paul Heckingbottom has reminded throughout the promotion run-in, any slip-up from the chasing pack widens their margin for error considerably and United are in the advantageous position of being in total control of their own destiny, rather than relying on others to slip up and drop points.

United’s last two promotions to the Premier League, in 2005/06 and 2018/19, have both been achieved while they haven’t been playing, after their nearest rivals dropped points elsewhere - robbing United fans of the opportunity to celebrate at Bramall Lane.

That opportunity may come next Wednesday but before then, attentions for Heckingbottom’s men can now turn to the small feat of trying to stop Erling Haaland and his teammates at arguably the best team in the world at Wembley this weekend... bring it on!

The best Blades fan and celebration pictures from big Bristol City win

United man makes Man City and Haaland pledge ahead of cup semi-final