Michael Cooper on Recording Another Win and Clean Sheet For Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sheffield United continued their impressive run of form with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Preston North End at Bramall Lane, moving level on points with league leaders Leeds United. Tyrese Campbell was once again the hero, netting his second goal in as many games to secure the Blades’ sixth win in their last seven outings.

Sheffield United’s dominance in possession nearly paid dividends inside the first two minutes, but they were unable to capitalise on their early momentum.

Preston struggled to impose themselves, rarely venturing into the opposition half. The visitors’ best chance of the first period came from Ryan Porteous, whose glancing header sailed harmlessly over the bar. Meanwhile, Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper had little to do as the Blades controlled proceedings.

The match came to life early in the second half when Preston nearly landed a crucial blow. On-loan Leeds United forward Sam Greenwood rattled the post with a powerful strike after being set up by Robbie Brady. The near-miss appeared to spark the hosts into action.

Just moments later, United found the breakthrough. A precise near-post cross from Harrison Burrows was met by Campbell, who rose to head home and put the Blades in front. The goal sent Bramall Lane into raptures and proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

Michael Cooper on Another Win & Clean Sheet For Sheffield United

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 08: Tyrese Campbell of Sheffield United scores his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Preston North End FC at Bramall Lane on March 08, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Speaking after the game to SUTV, Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper expressed confidence in his team’s performance, acknowledging that while the crowd grew tense in the closing stages, the Blades remained in control.

“I think sometimes when you’re 1-0 up, the crowd can get a little bit edgy when the opposing team builds a few chances,” Cooper said. “But I felt like we had it under control. We controlled the game for large parts, could’ve maybe been a bit more ruthless in the final third, but a clean sheet and three points, you can’t really argue too much.”

Reflecting on Greenwood’s near miss, Cooper admitted he was fortunate not to be beaten:

“To be fair, I was a bit rooted; it was a good strike. That came from a bit of our own wrong-doing, which, with the way the game felt, was the only way they were going to score. Thankfully, it hit the outside of the upright and bounced out, and we went and scored.”

With another clean sheet secured, Cooper highlighted the importance of defensive solidity:

“That’s our 19th as a team in the league. Good to tick another one off. It’s probably one of the biggest clichés, but keeping a clean sheet gives you a solid base, and with the quality we have going forward, it can only really lead to three points and nothing less.”

Cooper Has Been Immense For the Blades in His First Season

Michael Cooper pulls off a spectacular save to keep the score level between Sheffield United and Portsmouth.

Cooper has been absolutely sensational this season for the Blades, and I don’t think you’ll find many United fans that doubt that he has genuine Premier League qualities. He is an excellent shot-stopper, he commands his box well, and his distribution is good. He’s also got a great understanding of the game; he knows how to, and when to kill the game to see out a result.

The 25-year-old has a 81% save percentage this term, ranking him in the 96th percentile among every other Championship goalkeeper, per FBref. Cooper has played a huge part in United’s 19 clean sheets, he’s kept a clean sheet in 53% of league games (93rd percentile).

While Cooper may not be seen as a huge presence between the sticks, he certainly makes up for that with decisiveness and technique, he stops almost 10% of crosses faced per game which ranks him as one of the best goalkeepers in the division in this metric.