SHEFFIELD UNITED boss Paul Heckingbottom says Manchester City set a benchmark for next season after a thumping victory shattered the Blades’ FA Cup dreams.
A hat-trick from Riyad Mahrez gave the scoreline a deceptively flattering sheen, with United missing a glorious early chance through Iliman Ndiaye and defending magnificently for much of a finely-balanced first half.
Attention now turns to Wednesday evening, when victory over West Brom at Bramall Lane would send the Blades back into the top-flight.
“At full-time, Pep said ‘See you next season’,” said United boss Paul Heckingbottom, whose side were aiming to reach a first FA Cup final since 1936.
“It’s very kind of him, but we’re not there yet. We’ve got a big game on Wednesday and if we get to where we want to be then they are the benchmark.
“That’s why I’m not happy, despite the performance. It sounds like I’m being negative but if that’s a Premier League game, we get no points.
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