Kieffer Moore's headed goal four minutes before halftime at Bramall Lane on Monday night and another from Gus Hamer after the break killed the game off. A simple finish from Callum O'Hare late on confirmed Sheffield's dominance in what was a 6-0 aggregate triumph after their 3-0 win at Ashton Gate last week.
United will face the winner of Tuesday's second semi-final in the match dubbed 'the richest game in football', to see who returns to the Premier League.
The Black Cats are favourites to meet Sheffield in the final on May 25 after winning the first leg 2-1 in Coventry last Friday.
It would be the first time United coach Chris Wilder has led his boyhood team out at Wembley Stadium.
The Blades, for whom Socceroos defender Harry Souttar joined on loan from Leicester City at the start of the campaign, before suffering a season-ending achilles tendon injury on Boxing Day, were relegated from the top tier 12 months ago.
Sunderland were last in the Premier League in 2017, while Coventry have been absent from the top division since 2001.
A return to the top tier ensures promoted clubs an estimated revenue uplift of around $283 million in projected matchday, broadcast and commercial revenue — and much more if they survive the first season back.
The playoff winner will join Leeds United and Burnley in replacing relegated sides Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich Town.
With AAP.
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