But we came up well short in the fixture that mattered.
Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admitted that the draw, which saw his side avoid Arsenal and the possibility of facing Manchester City, was favourable but was taking nothing for granted against the Blades.
Steve Bruce: "It's a great draw.
"Sheffield United have had a wonderful run and they've beaten every team in front of them so it's never going to be easy but you've got to be honest and I'm sure Sheffield United were the same as us - you just want to avoid the big boys.
"When you get to quarter-finals and semi-finals, we haven't been there since 1930. That's a bit of the magic of the Cup.
"The magic of the FA Cup for me will never disappear.
"The magic of it when you get to the big quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals - whether you're a player, manager, coach (or) supporter you enjoy the occasion."