After Premier League pledge, Sheffield United face 10 games with the power to shape careers

When Sheffield United do return to action, in six weeks or maybe more, Chris Wilder knows they will not enjoy a gentle reintroduction to the rigors of Premier League football.
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Seventh in the table before coronavirus crept across the globe and slipped through Great Britain’s door, the 52-year-old and his squad are facing 10 games with the power to change lives, shape careers and, given the riches qualifying for Europe would unlock, potentially influence the club’s direction of travel for many years to come.

Little wonder, when the governing bodies committed the finishing the season following a series of summit meetings, their sense of relief was palpable. Despite publicly pledging to consider every available option during Thursday’s teleconference, where representatives of all 20 top-flight sides decided whether to try and complete the fixture calendar or, in wake of the health crisis facing the nation, declare the campaign null and void.

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Unbeaten since January 21, a run which has also seen them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup where they are scheduled to face Arsenal, United had climbed to within five points of the Champions League positions before competition was halted eight days ago.

Given their situation, coupled with the fact that no member of his squad has yet to test positive for Covid-19 or report any symptoms, Wilder has been attempting to keep their schedule as normal as possible despite the closure of the Steelphalt Academy training complex and banning of all “non essential” business including player appearances. Inevitably, though, certain aspects of their programme have been tailored to respect and reflect goings-on in wider society.

As The Star revealed before the postponement of last weekend’s trip to Newcastle, United have introduced a series of measures, including daily logs on a mobile phone application detailing every player’s health and well-being, to try and limit their chances of catching the respiratory disease.

This response is a reflection of both Wilder’s confidence in the work of Bramall Lane’s in-house medical team and the size of the prize now within United’s grasp. It is also a recognition of the fact that six of their remaining contests are against teams in the upper half of the rankings and eyeing entry into Europe next term. A seventh - Everton’s visit to South Yorkshire - will see them face opponents rejuvenated by the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti.

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“We’ve got some great games coming up, against some great sides, all of whom have their own agendas,” Wilder said before the temporary shutdown of English football was announced. “So, with what’s happened here in the past, let’s just enjoy it, give it our all and see where it takes us.”

Midfielder John Lundstram (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Bournemouth at Bramall Lane in Sheffield: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty ImagesMidfielder John Lundstram (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Bournemouth at Bramall Lane in Sheffield: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
Midfielder John Lundstram (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Bournemouth at Bramall Lane in Sheffield: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images

United had just meandered through a fifth straight season in League One when Wilder was appointed four years ago. What has happened since has been nothing short of remarkable, with four of those on the books during his first appearance at the helm featuring on the team sheet when Norwich City travelled north earlier this month.

They will be required to demonstrate the talent and the tenacity responsible for fuelling United’s rapid climb up the pyramid when Tottenham Hotspur (8th), Wolverhampton Wanderers (6th) and Chelsea (4th) make the journey north, assuming the worst case scenario is avoided. While outings at Manchester United (5th), Burnley (10th) and Leicester City (3rd) also represent huge tests of their character and calibre.

United, however, are not satisfied with what they have achieved so far; as illustrated by the fact that reaching the 40 point mark viewed as a guarantee of survival provoked very little fanfare following last month’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

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“We’ll keep going full tilt,” Wilder said. “We’re just looking to drive it forward. Onto the next one because that’s what matters.”

Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty ImagesSheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images

Of course, given the wafer-thin margin of error at the highest level, Wilder has warned it would be a mistake to view this sextuplet of games as being the only ones which will decide if United get the opportunity to pit their wits against some of the continents biggest names during the 2020/21 season.

Newcastle, who had been set to host his side last weekend, recorded an away win over United in December while Southampton, scheduled to be their final opponents, did the same three months earlier.

“You can’t afford to look at matches in isolation in any division, especially not this one,” Wilder said. “You’re talking about top class players, top class athletes and everyone is fighting for something.”