Dean Henderson and Man Utd; John Fleck's revelation; Sander Berge and a retiring Blade: The best Sheffield United stories you might have missed this week

‘Project Restart’ has thrown up some stories in itself, but it hasn’t all been about that and as usual we’ve been bringing you the best Sheffield United coverage every single day, covering all bases.

There’s a fair chance that you may have missed some of it along the way, so here’s your weekly round-up of the top United stories from the past week by our team of Blades writers.

WHAT WILL BECOME OF DEAN HENDERSON?

One Blades player has dominated the football news agenda this week due to the potential controversy that could arise from football’s return. Dean Henderson is, of course, on loan from Manchester United and given Chris Wilder’s side have become a direct rival to the Red Devils for a European place a cynic might suggest they could recall the keeper to harm the Blades chances. His loan deal is due to end next month.

Fresh stories emerged that the hierarchy at Old Trafford were concerned about extending Henderson’s contract and James Shield wrote about what that means for Sheffield United and why it should be taken as a compliment in some ways.

What fresh claims about Dean Henderson's status at Sheffield United really tell us about Man Utd's thinking

Chris Wilder had his say on the subject earlier this week, too. Danny Hall reports on the manager saying he thinks it would be ‘morally correct’ for him to stay at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder's update on reports Manchester United could cut short Dean Henderson's loan spell at Sheffield United

And James followed that up with this…

What Sheffield United really think about Dean Henderson's chances of finishing the season at Bramall Lane

Of course, it’s been a major talking point as Henderson – widely regarded as a future England No 1 – sees his stock continue to rise. To that end, former players were having their say, with a former England international backing up the claim by Wilder that the right thing to do would be for Manchester United to allow Henderson to stay put.

Man Utd CAN take Dean Henderson from Sheffield United but that DOESN'T mean they should, says former Chelsea and Liverpool star

Finally on this subject, James wrote this on why there’s such a fuss in the first place...

Statistics only reveal half of what makes Sheffield United's Dean Henderson so great

SHEFFIELD UNITED AND ‘PROJECT RESTART’

The potential return of football obviously doesn’t come without its problems and one of those centres around whether players actually feel comfortable getting back to action. Earlier this week James spoke to Wilder who gave his view on those in his squad who have concerns with playing again.

Chris Wilder reveals Sheffield United's stance on players who don't want to return to action

And the view of the club doctor was also explained HERE

THE TALK BEHIND JOHN FLECK’S SUPERB SEASON

Midfielder John Fleck was interviewed this week and he gave an insight into the reasons why his first Premier League campaign has been such a success.

The ultimatum responsible for transforming John Fleck into a top Premier League midfielder

Fleck also offered his opinion on Dean Henderson, telling us what the keeper is like behind the scenes.

'He's a bit mad' - Sheffield United's John Fleck on Dean Henderson - the future Man Utd and England number one

RETIREMENT BECKONS

Earlier this week we learned that injury has got the better of a Blades player and he is expecting to have to retire this summer, as a result

Sheffield United player reveals injury is set to force him to retire

And on that, in his column, James wrote about how it seems strange that, in a squad stuffed to the gills with inspiring characters, a player who barely featured in United’s first team is possibly among the most inspirational of them all.

James Shield's Sheffield United Column: Why one player who failed to make it at Bramall Lane remains an inspiration for thousands of fans

BIG MONEY, BIG TALKING POINT, BIG PLAYER

Sander Berge’s arrival for a huge fee in January continues to be a big issue. Some have said United fans have yet to see anywhere near the best of him, while others are concerned that they won’t. WIlder had this to say on the subject…

The key point Chris Wilder believes Sheffield United proved when they signed Sander Berge

TRANSFERS, CONTRACTS AND WARNINGS

We would, of course, in normal circumstances be coming towards the end of the season and that means contracts talks, released players and the rumour mill cranking into action and a look towards next year’s campaign. However, things are very different now.

This week Wilder said he wouldn’t be taking any notice of those who suggest that qualifyig for Europe would be a hindrance.

Sheffield United ignore 'expert' advice about European football

Wilder also admitted United must be flexible in the transfer market as Premier League clubs continue to grapple with the financial challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Chris Wilder sheds more light on Sheffield United's transfer strategy and plans

And there was also a chilling warning around what the market might be like this summer with United told they will be unable to exploit any collapse caused by the coronavirus pandemic because of the huge financial challenges facing all Premier League clubs.

Sheffield United are warned about this summer's transfer market

THE LIGHTER SIDE...

United have shown their support to local NHS staff by erecting giant posters of two Blades-supporting medical professionals on the side of their Bramall Lane stadium.

Sheffield United honour NHS heroes with giant poster alongside Billy Sharp

With German football set to resume, James went through the league to show which Bundesliga club Blades fans should be following, telling us who each club compare to in the Premier League

Identified: The Bundesliga club Sheffield United fans should follow until Premier League football returns

This past week marked a special anniversary – BLADES GLORY – OWLS DOWN. Chris Wilder offered Danny his memories from that glorious day, 30 years ago

Blades Glory, Owls Down: Chris Wilder remembers an iconic day in Sheffield United's history, 30 years on

And finally…

Two young Sheffield United fans have come up with a novel way of getting their Blades fix, and alleviating a bit of lockdown boredom in the process.

How one Sheffield United-mad family kept love of Blades alive during lockdown - by creating their own version of Monopoly