Rivalries in football are largely based on two factors, geographical proximity or regular competition.

While derbies such as the South Wales derby are commonplace, the competitive rivalries seen such as El Clásico are generally due to two sides competing consistently for titles or in Europe.

There is another kind, although it is far rarer. Rivalries born of an event or deep-rooted dislike between managers and players.

It was seen between Stoke and Arsenal as a reaction to Aaron Ramsey’s double leg break following a challenge by opposition defender Ryan Shawcross. The flames were fanned further by Arsene Wenger’s deep-rooted disdain for Stoke’s long-ball tactics.

Cup Clashes

Sheffield United v Wrexham, while a new rivalry, is fast approaching the final bracket.

When Wrexham hosted United in the FA Cup in January 2023 there was the possibility of a giant killing, with Phil Parkinson’s side flying high in the National League while The Blades were on route to promotion to the Premier League.

Under the watchful eye of Hollywood co-owner Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham twice took the lead that night before a stoppage-time John Egan header earned the 10 men of Sheffield a replay after Daniel Jebbison was sent off for kicking out at Ben Tozer.

Both sides headed to Bramall Lane knowing that a tie against Tottenham Hotspur was in the offing.

When Paul Mullin lined up his second spot kick of the game with the scores tied at 1-1 a shock looked on the cards. However, Wales international Adam Davies saved Mullin’s penalty and then two injury-time breakaway goals from Billy Sharp and Sander Berge sealed the win for the home side.

Mic Manners

For a National League side to come so close to a golden ticket tie at home to Spurs the praise came from all sides for Wrexham’s performances and tenacity…that is, aside from Blades captain Billy Sharp.

Having made a crying gesture to Wrexham fans post-match Sharp continued his ‘beef’ onto live TV.

In an interview post-match, Sharp produced a televised rant saying that Wrexham had been “disrespectful” before the game for “thinking they were already through”.

“I’m glad we beat them,” said Sharp on ITV.

“They’re doing well in their league, we’re doing well in ours.

“I wasn’t happy with a couple of their players tonight but that’s it now, we’ve got one over on them. Good luck to them on promotion and hopefully we’ve put that one to bed.

“A few of their players I wasn’t happy with and I was frustrated. I should’ve put the game to bed before I did.

“I wasn’t happy with the way they’ve been as a club, eyeing up Spurs, they’ve not even beat us. We’re an honest set of lads and want to go as far as we can in this competition, but I think they thought we were going to roll over when they got back in it.

“I think the referee was helping them as well. Don’t think he gave me one foul all night. I probably lost my head a little bit but I’ve got a smile on my face because we’ve made it through to the next round in the cup and the boys deserve it.”

The fallout continued post-match with Wrexham manager Parkinson saying that he was “disappointed” with Sharp for being “disrespectful” in the tunnel after the game.

“I think the way their players, the crowd and staff celebrated was just a mark of how tough we’d made it for them and they were relieved to get through,” said Parkinson.

“My message to Billy is, you’re better than that, you really are.”

“He was telling us to shove it on the documentary and stuff,” Wrexham defender Ben Tozer added.

“I think it’s just fabricated stuff in his head to make that acceptable for himself if I’m honest with you.

“I said to him as well face to face to show more humility.”

Sharp was fined £2,500 for his rant, while Wrexham did indeed mention it in their documentary with Reynolds and Rob McElhenney commenting on how they had “got under that guy’s skin”.

Ultimately, Sheffield would go on to beat Tottenham 1-0 at Bramall Lane before winning their quarter final tie against Blackburn Rovers, ultimately losing 3-0 in the semi-final to champions Manchester City who were on their way to an historic treble.

Both sides were ultimately promoted at the end of the season.

Grudge Match Part Three

Now, 553 days (or 19 months) later, the two sides are set to meet once again in the Cup, however this time, instead of a match up between tier two and five of the football pyramid, it is a game between the second and third tiers.

That is due to the Blades relegation last term while Wrexham were promoted from League Two at the first time of asking.

Again, the game will be held at Bramall Lane with an 8pm kick off.

Both sides come into the game following opening weekend wins, with Sheffield winning 0-2 at Preston on Friday night while Wrexham won a 3-2 thriller at home to Wycombe.

Normally, both sides would rest players in the League Cup but following the goings on of a year and a half ago it will be interesting to see what both sides decide to do.

The Blades are now managed by Chris Wilder, while Billy Sharp now plays for League Two side Doncaster Rovers which may go some way in dampening the grudge match.

The fact remains however that Wrexham haven’t beaten United since a 2-1 win in 1989.

Parkinson may well shuffle his pack, with the possibility of a competitive debut for Dan Scarr at the back along with a chance to see record signing Oliver Rathbone, while there may be a first competitive start for Sebastian Revan.

What is almost certain however is come what may, Wrexham are likely to “stick it” on their documentary for all to see!

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