The former United striker, who scored 171 goals in 293 starts for the Bramall Lane club, is confident that Kevin Blackwell's side will be "there or thereabouts" when the race for the Premiership draws to a close in May.

But, speaking ahead of Saturday's Championship curtainraiser at Birmingham City, Edwards told The Star: "I know they're not the favourites but, for me, Derby will be United's biggest threat.

"Their manager Paul Jewell has something about him and he's used to success.

"He's totally revamped the club after they were relegated last term and, to be fair, was probably planning for this the moment he was appointed.

"He never made any promises about keeping them up.

"Birmingham will be there or there abouts because they've got the money to spend, likewise QPR, but Reading, the other team to come down, haven't really brought anyone in and although I can't see them struggling, they might end-up around mid-table.

"But all of the teams who have come down have got used to losing games and that's why the whole division is going to be wide open.

"Derby have freshened things up so much though that it might not be as much of a problem for them."

Edwards, who returns to his role as an expert summariser for BBC Radio Sheffield at St Andrews, added: "I'm excited by the players Kevin Blackwell has brought in and he's shown himself to be a likable and effective manager.

"United will definitely be there or thereabouts and Blacky has been right to change things around during the summer.

"But it's absolutely imperative that we get off to a good positive start and keep winning our home games.

"We've got to look to nick things away and be stronger at home than we were last year.

"We lost five times at Bramall Lane and you can't do that and go up."

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion have distanced themselves from reports linking them with a £2m bid for United midfielder Michael Tonge.

Chengdu Blades, Bramall Lane's sister club in the Far East, meet a United XI at Dronfield this evening (kick-off 7.45pm) while the tourists' fixture against Sheffield FC has been brought forward 24 hours to Friday.

Sheffield United: Preview for the season, including ins and outs and squad numbers. Don't miss Saturday's Green'Un newspaper

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