Sports Desk:

Hamza Choudhury returned as a Sheffield United player in style after making his historic international debut for Bangladesh against India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers during the international break. He marked his return to club duty as Sheffield United secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Coventry at Bramall Lane on Saturday, reclaiming the top spot in the Sky Bet Championship with 83 points from 39 matches.

Fresh from his international debut, Choudhury delivered a commanding performance in midfield, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd upon his late substitution.

In front of over 30,000 fans, the Blades started brightly, and Gustavo Hamer set the tone with a stunning curling effort in the 19th minute. Tyrese Campbell then doubled the lead on the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a precise low cross from Seriki.

United dominated proceedings, with Hamza dictating play in midfield, winning key duels, and breaking up opposition attacks with vital interceptions.

Early in the match, as the commentator remarked, “Hamza Choudhury continuing in the midfield. He had a long flight after playing for Bangladesh against India during the international break. He received a hero’s welcome,” Hamza timed a perfect tackle to halt an opposition attack, immediately making his presence felt on the pitch.

The second half saw Sheffield United further assert their control, with Rhian Brewster capping off a swift counterattack in the 62nd minute after a well-placed assist from Brereton Diaz.

Hamza continued to impress, showcasing his defensive resilience and tactical awareness, before drawing applause for a long-range effort that forced a fine save from Collins.

Hamza was one of the standout performers for the Blades.

He earned the rating of 7.4/10, winning 2 out of 3 ground duels, making 4 interceptions, 2 tackles, and blocking 1 shot. His presence in midfield provided stability, and his ability to break up play ensured United maintained control for large periods of the game.

As the game neared its conclusion, Hamza was withdrawn in the 89th minute to rapturous applause, having played a pivotal role in maintaining Sheffield’s dominance.

However, in his absence, the Blades conceded a late goal as substitute Jack Rudoni bundled the ball over the line in stoppage time. Despite this minor blemish, United comfortably saw out the match to claim all three points.

Before the match, United manager Chris Wilder admitted he wasn’t entirely sure of Hamza’s whereabouts prior to the match, as the midfielder had only returned from Bangladesh late on Wednesday after making his international debut for Bangladesh where he delivered a decisive performance.

“I don’t know where Hamza is. If anyone’s seen him, can you let me know!” Wilder joked.

But Hamza turned Wilder’s confusion in an ‘outstanding’ way.

“He went missing for three days, the ‘Where’s Hamza?’ t-shirts were flying about. He’s not trained and he came back late last night so all the tactical work we had to do remotely with him. He came in early today. Outstanding, broke the game up,” Wilder remarked regarding Hamza after the match.

Hamza’s performance did not go unnoticed, with United fans on social media lauding his impact and commitment.

“That performance from Hamza Choudhury was phenomenal, bloke has been playing in India during the break, in the middle of Ramadan, and puts in THAT shift for 90 minutes, absolute monster,” a fan tweeted on X.