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The Blades took the lead in the 36th minute when captain Japhet Tanganga scored past Jakub Stolarczyk, while Leicester mustered just one shot before the break.

Things got worse for the Foxes early in the second half when former player Thomas Cannon scored his second goal in as many games to double the Blades' advantage.

Callum O'Hare added a third in the 88th minute to round off a routine win to start 2026, but Jordan James did score a consolation goal for Leicester in stoppage time.

Leicester is 13th in the Championship after three defeats in its last four games, and Skipp did not hold back in his post-match interview.

"Disappointing, that's an understatement," he said. "I think a really poor performance from everyone involved.

"No one can take any positives from that game. We didn't create much and conceded some sloppy goals, so a real disappointment for everyone.

"We've lacked consistency throughout and everyone's got to look at themselves and try and put that right.

"The only positive is we have got a game in four days to try and rectify that, but we haven't been consistent this season, and it's up to us in the dressing room to rectify that."

Chris Wilder's side has climbed to 15th in the league with just two defeats to its name in its last 11 games (W7 D2).

It was also a landmark win for Wilder, who has won 150 matches in all competitions as the Blades boss across three separate stints. 

Wilder was proud of his side's display on New Year’s Day, against a Leicester team that he rates very highly.

"I thought we were outstanding from the off," he said. "Intensity levels, we competed, allowed good players to get their head up – they're going to hurt you, and arguably they have the best players in the division.

"They may have the strongest squad in the division, but they didn't really allow them to get anything on us."