Chris Wilder’s men went into the campiagn as one of the favourites to be relegated with some poorly-researched opinions thrown out by some pundits. However, they went on to earn rave reviews from almost everyone (we’re looking at you Garth Crooks). Here we take a look at what rival bosses had to say about the Blades.
. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United and Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City look on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sheffield United at Etihad Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder on the touchline alongside his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola during his side's 2-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) | 2019 Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey
. Eddie Howe, AFC Bournemouth
"They are a very good side. They've got a way of playing, a way of going about things, that's different and very difficult to play against. They showed they can change, as well. Yes, there's going to be times when it's tough and you have to dig in, we know that from experience. But to do what they've done, we also know you have to do some exceptional things. I've got a lot of respect for them." | ©Sportimage Photo: James Wilson
. Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace
"What interests me more is what (Chris Wilder) has done since he has come to Sheffield United, with their two promotions, which is an incredible record, and the fact that his team play the football they do, which is going to ask a lot of questions of the opponents they meet. He needs a lot of credit for that." | ©Sportimage Photo: Simon Bellis
. Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City
"It was a great win for us because Sheffield United have built up real momentum. We showed a good mentality because, as we knew beforehand, we had to be resilient. So I thought the performance was good in terms of the character we showed. That was a very important three points for us." | ©Sportimage Photo: Simon Bellis
. Frank Lampard, Chelsea
"I was hugely impressed with them last season, their style of play and formation. The job Chris has done there can’t be underestimated, and I don’t think it is. “The recognition he has got is very well deserved - to take that club from where he has, to play with a style and identity he has, when he is a man who feels deeply about the club. “I felt that when we went to Sheffield United last year on the line next to him." | ©Sportimage Photo: James Wilson
. Ralph Hasenhüttl, Southampton
"Sheffield United are an interesting club, with a good atmosphere and an interesting way to play football. They are absolutely a club that fits good to the Premier League. "They have made a fantastic job there, it's a very quick development of this club." | ©Sportimage Photo: Simon Bellis
. Marco Silva, formerly of Everton
“They didn’t try at all; they didn’t thrive in our box when they scored at 1-0. Until that moment we were setting the game, creating some dangerous moments, commanding the game like is normal in our team. We knew before the game they would be strong out wide, trying to block out combinations." | PA Wire Photo: Nick Potts, PA Wire
. Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool
"They have the proper basis to be a really uncomfortable opponent, particularly here. They have so many good things that give you a chance of winning games. That's my first game against Chris, he's loud. I thought I was loud but he is loud and his boys listen." | PA Wire Photo: Richard Sellers
. Quique Sanchez Flores, formerly of Watford
"We knew the match would be tough because we saw Sheffield playing against Liverpool and playing really well. At this moment in the season, they are full of confidence and this is not our moment." | ©Sportimage Photo: Robin Parker
1. Eddie Howe, AFC Bournemouth
"They are a very good side. They've got a way of playing, a way of going about things, that's different and very difficult to play against. They showed they can change, as well. Yes, there's going to be times when it's tough and you have to dig in, we know that from experience. But to do what they've done, we also know you have to do some exceptional things. I've got a lot of respect for them." | ©Sportimage Photo: James Wilson
2. Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace
"What interests me more is what (Chris Wilder) has done since he has come to Sheffield United, with their two promotions, which is an incredible record, and the fact that his team play the football they do, which is going to ask a lot of questions of the opponents they meet. He needs a lot of credit for that." | ©Sportimage Photo: Simon Bellis
3. Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City
"It was a great win for us because Sheffield United have built up real momentum. We showed a good mentality because, as we knew beforehand, we had to be resilient. So I thought the performance was good in terms of the character we showed. That was a very important three points for us." | ©Sportimage Photo: Simon Bellis
4. Frank Lampard, Chelsea
"I was hugely impressed with them last season, their style of play and formation. The job Chris has done there can’t be underestimated, and I don’t think it is. “The recognition he has got is very well deserved - to take that club from where he has, to play with a style and identity he has, when he is a man who feels deeply about the club. “I felt that when we went to Sheffield United last year on the line next to him." | ©Sportimage Photo: James Wilson