Michael Cooper: Sheffield United key man opens up on Blades revival and frustrating praise after back-to-best return
Michael Cooper admits it is frustrating to keep hearing how he has returned to form, but the Sheffield United goalkeeper says greater fitness, belief and defensive stability have helped him feel more comfortable this season
Improved fitness, greater self-belief and a more settled defence have helped Michael Cooper back to his best at Sheffield United this season - even if the Blades goalkeeper finds the praise somewhat frustrating. The United No.1 has been one of United’s most impressive performers so far this term.
It comes off the back of a welcome rest last season which saw him overcome a niggling knee issue which was impacting his form, but through which he volunteered to play for the good of the team.
The recuperation has done him the power of good, although he was frustrated to have conceded in the 90th minute on Saturday as the Blades lost to Wolves despite an impressive display at Bramall Lane.
“I do find it a bit frustrating because it keeps reminding me of below-par performances from last year,” said Cooper, when asked about the consensus that he is back to top gear. “But equally, it’s nice to know that people are appreciating what I’m trying to do.
“All I’m trying to do is just keep it out of the net as best as I can, really help the defence and just play my part in a team that’s stacked. Trying to win every game and just trying to set a foundation.
“And I think I’ve got a bit more of a different role in the team; probably being a bit more of an assurance. Not throwing myself about vocally or anything like that, but just being a bit more of a presence for the back line.
“I’m fit, as well, and taking care of myself in different ways. And I think just as a group we've got more self-belief. I think we're building from game to game, having a bit more of a unit about us, a bit more of a clear way of defending the box.
“But for me personally, nothing's really changed that drastically. I think obviously we've just been allowed a bit more of a settled team and staff and stuff like that. So I think that's helped.”
The Blades’ decent start to the season on the pitch has been at odds with a backdrop of noise and uncertainty off it, including a battle between current and former owner over £35m of unpaid debt and the sale of their three most creative players from last season.
But Cooper said: “I feel positive, really positive. I think we've shut out a lot of outdoor noise that's happened, you can't shy away from that. What's happened has happened. But I think we've put it to bed with efforts and performances on the pitch.
“And now we're looking ahead. We've got two games before the international break. We want to get into that next round of the cup badly and we want to go win at Stoke.
“And then have a bit of time to reflect on the first nine or so games and have a real good push in towards Christmas. And then hopefully we're in a good little spot.”