Angry Sheffield United boss Dave Bassett was set to wield the axe after watching his struggling side surrender their unbeaten home record. Manchester City recovered from a scrappy first-half display to snatch all three points with a Mike Sheron goal in the 56th minute.
United started brightly with Glyn Hodges almost scoring from 20 yards. Willie Falconer also went close for the Blades while Alfons Groenendijk almost gave the visitors the lead. But Nial Quinn set up the winner for City with a low shot that was half stopped by Simon Tracey before Sheron put the ball into an empty net from two yards.
