Dean Henderson, Man Utd and Billy Sharp... SEVEN talking points from Chris Wilder's Sheffield United press conference ahead of Aston Villa clash

Football is almost finally back, and Chris Wilder has today 'met' with the media ahead of the big Premier League restart.
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Over 25 members of the broadcast, radio and written Press shared a Zoom call with the Sheffield United manager to preview Wednesday night's game at Aston Villa, which is the first to be played in the Premier League since it was suspended back in March.

Skipper Billy Sharp, fresh from his new contract announced last week, was also put up to face the media - and here's what we learned from the pair.

There are no guarantees

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Both manager and skipper were at pains to stress that the Blades have come back in brilliant shape, after sticking diligently to the lockdown training plan they were all given when Shirecliffe was closed. But despite a few practice games, nothing can replicate actual game time and so Wilder, more than once, admitted that he will only really know how ready his team is 'when the ball gets rolling'.

Don't mention the 'E' word

No-one at Bramall Lane is shying away from the opportunity that is in front of United; to become the first team in the club's history to qualify for Europe. But there is also no chance of anyone getting carried away by it; Wilder will not let it happen. His sole focus, he told the media today, is on the Villa game. And although it sounds like typical 'manager speak', you get the feeling that, in this case, it's bang on.

Deano-watch

Sheffield United manager was virtually up in front of the media today ahead of the Blades match against Aston Villa. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)Sheffield United manager was virtually up in front of the media today ahead of the Blades match against Aston Villa. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Sheffield United manager was virtually up in front of the media today ahead of the Blades match against Aston Villa. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Good news for Blades fans - it looks like Dean Henderson will be staying with the Blades for the rest of the season after all. There was a bit of talk about Manchester United recalling him, which was a distinct possibility - but it would have been a huge PR own goal for United's Manchester namesakes to do so, especially after they themselves received permission to extend Odion Ighalo's loan from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua. Wilder revealed he has recently spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjær about extending Henderson's loan spell past its original cut-off point and the two clubs are in the process of sorting out the relevant paperwork.

Read More
Sheffield United close to finalising Dean Henderson extension with Man Utd - Wil...

And another thing...

At times during the lockdown, it seemed like more column inches were written about Dean Henderson than the rest of his Blades teammates combined. His future is the source of constant speculation and at times, it's easy to forget that this is a very young lad, still making his way in the game. The constant scrutiny about where he will end up could be incredibly distracting and, actually, it's yet another compliment to the lad himself that he takes that in his stride, and continues to impress for United. Henderson is obviously a very impressive young player but also an impressive young man, too.

The eyes of the world will be on the Blades

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And how will that affect everyone? It's another step into the unknown. Come 5.55pm on Wednesday, millions of people worldwide could be tuning in to a game that will be played in front of an empty Villa Park. As Wilder pointed out, Villa v United was a Championship game last season and on a normal game day, would probably be pretty low down the pecking order on Match of the Day. Suddenly, it'll be worldwide news as the Premier League finally gets back underway.

Sharp wants to stay for life

The United skipper once again insisted he had no intention whatsoever of leaving in January, and doesn't see his contract extension being the end of his time at the Lane either. He wants to knuckle down now and earn yet another deal in 2022, when he'll be 36. In the shape he's in, though, no-one could really back against him playing for a good few years yet.

The joy of scoring goals

Sharp also revealed what he'll do if he scores in a game behind closed doors... and for someone who loves finding the back of the net as much as he does, it's no surprise. He'll be celebrating... and is sure that his teammates will do the same if they score, too.

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