John Egan reveals the secrets of Sheffield United's Premier League success this season
John Egan, the Sheffield United defender, admits the Blades' remarkable first season back in the Premier League has eclipsed even his own expectations following promotion last term.
Egan and Co. have put themselves in contention to earn what would be a first-ever European campaign for the Blades, if and when the top-flight season returns admidst the current coronavirus crisis.
Before football was suspended in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, United were seventh in the table - but just two points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, with a game in hand.
And Egan, the Republic of Ireland international, admitted: "It's gone brilliantly so far.
"Obviously it's been called to a halt right now but we were confident at the start, even if we did go into the unknown a little.
"We took to the Premier League really well and after five or six games, we started taking the handbrake off and going after teams.
"Every player has kicked on since and took their game to new heights, and it's shown on the pitch. We've been more than a match for most teams so far."
United's success has been built on solid foundations. Only Burnley's Nick Pope has kept more clean sheets than United's Dean Henderson, who is level on 10 with Alisson - of runaway leaders Liverpool.
"That record is one I'm proud of," added Egan, talking on Irish Football Fan TV.
"They're your bread and butter. We didn't think it'd go as well as it has but we always had belief."