Chris Wilder's gives his thoughts on latest Sheffield United claims

In echoes of the narrative surrounding their preparations for the 2019/20 campaign, when critics warned they were ill-equipped for top-flight football, United have been confronted by claims that players who prosper after being promoted often falter when they return to action.

Wilder and his coaching staff used the predictions of former professionals turned pundits to strengthen United’s conviction en route to a ninth placed finish - with their side challenging for a place in Europe until the penultimate match of the revised fixture schedule.

Assessing United’s performances over the past 12 months, and looking ahead to the start of the new competition, he said: “People keep telling me about that, second season syndrome, and how we’re going to find it tough. Well is that set in stone, that you always do badly the second time around? And they’re forgetting that it’s always tough at this level. We had to do a lot of things right, and get the maximum out of everyone, to do what we did after coming up. So yes, it will be tough, But it’s always tough. To say otherwise, well, I think that shows a lack of understanding about what you have to put in at Premier League level.”

Despite the pressure on their budgets following the Covid-19 pandemic, United have already started the process of consolidating and improving their squad ahead of next month’s restart. Chris Basham, David McGoldrick, Billy Sharp and Oliver Norwood have all agreed extensions to their contracts in recent weeks while former Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has arrived on a free transfer after leaving Ibrox. Talks have also taken place with Reading about the potential purchase of their midfielder John Swift. As The Star has revealed, United lead the race for the former Chelsea youngster’s signature although Aston Villa and newly promoted Leeds are reportedly ready to pounce if talks between the two clubs stall.

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