'Same as last season and a good cup run' - Sheffield United fans' hopes for new Premier League campaign

It only seems like five minutes since Chris Wilder’s men completed a highly-impressive return to the top flight at Southampton on July 26, a game which they lost 3-1 and failed to put a dampener on a season which won them huge praise from across the footballing world.

Now, almost seven weeks on from that defeat on the south coast, football is back and Wilder will be hoping his side will be able to more than replicate the efforts of last term, which saw the Bladesmen battling for a European spot right up until the final weeks of the campaign.

But what do the United faithful think of their chances?

We have asked them on social media as to what would represent a successful season for the Blades after last year’s exploits.

Here’s what some fans on Facebook and Twitter have had to say.

Writing on Facebook, Martin Clark said: “I'm happy as long as we don't finish in the bottom three. Now we're here in the Premier league we have to make sure we stay. We are a Premier League club.”

Many other fans said they would be happy just to finish in mid-table and not have the worry of a relegation battle – while others are looking further ahead.

"Roughly same finish as this season and a good cup run for the extra games to prep for a Euro run in next couple seasons,” says Jordan Bramhall, also on Facebook.

On Twitter, Jamie Davies echoed the thoughts of fellow fans on Facebook.

He tweeted: “I think mid-table would be a another great season. Hopefully we can establish ourselves in the Premier League for a long time to come.”

And @WillVII_ posted on Twitter: “I think another season of comfortably avoiding relegation so we can keep strengthening and establish ourselves as a long-term Premier League club.”

Fellow Twitter follower @PaulHolmshaw agrees, tweeting: “We are still building and learning as a Premiership club. So staying up reasonably comfortably would be a successful season in my opinion. I think it will be difficult to better our ninth position as we integrate new, younger players into the way we play but who knows with CW!?”

Meanwhile, @daisyproperties simply says: “Avoid second season syndrome when all opposition have sussed you out!” #twitterblades

And on Facebook, Trevor Walker writes: “Top half and turning over some of the bigger clubs like last season.”

Andy Morement is another supporter who would be happy with a similar finish to last season, saying: “Comfortable in mid table and no threat of relegation...VAR and referees make sure the big clubs are successful.”

An important message: Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.