It was credit to Oxford that they continued to try and play their way back into the game.

But in truth they were not able to create much in the way of clear-cut chances and, ultimately, had no answer to the quality in the home ranks.

Hamer was again central to Sheffield United’s third, picking up a smart backheel from Vinicius de Souza two minutes short of the hour mark before playing a short, stabbed pass to Rak-Sakyi on the edge of the box.

The 22-year-old still had work to do but cushioned the ball brilliantly with his first touch before slamming a left-foot finish past Cumming.

If anyone deserved to decorate their night with a goal it was Hamer but the 27-year-old playmaker was denied by Hidde ter Avest, whose block on the line kept out a fierce shot from nine yards.

The result saw the Blades leapfrog Leeds United at the summit, after Sunderland’s draw with West Brom, and it sets up a mouthwatering clash with the Black Cats at Bramall Lane on Friday.