Sheffield United suffered a disastrous start to the season. With just 2 points in their first 17 fixtures, Sheffield United set a record for the worst-ever Premier League start not including administrative point deductions. They also broke the Premier League record of most consecutive games without a win to start the season, with 17. Previously, the record was held by the 2012–13 Queens Park Rangers squad.
Things marginally improved after Matchday 18, when Sheffield United defeated Newcastle United 1–0 on 12 January 2021 at Bramall Lane. Two further wins followed, including a shock away win against Manchester United. However, Sheffield United remained bottom of the table and they were eventually officially relegated on 17 April 2021 following a 1–0 away defeat at Wolves - thus ending the Blades' two-year status in the English top flight. The team manager Chris Wilder resigned towards the end of the season, following reported clashes with the club ownership and board. He was replaced by interim manager Paul Heckingbottom (previously under 23's manager).
Source: Premier League Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) If the champions, relegated teams or qualified teams for UEFA competitions cannot be determined by rules 1 to 3, rules 4.1 to 4.3 are applied – 4.1) Points gained in head-to-head record between such teams; 4.2) Away goals scored in head-to-head record between such teams; 4.3) Play-offs[37] (R) Relegated