Midfielder is convinced this can be a truly "special" season for Sheffield United

Sheffield United’s players want to ensure a campaign which has seen them become one of the most talked about teams in the country becomes a truly “special season” when they return to action next month.

By James Shield

Published 30th May 2020, 17:53 GMT

Updated 31st May 2020, 12:47 GMT

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Midfielder Oliver Norwood made the admission after insisting Chris Wilder’s squad will be targeting a place in Europe, an FA Cup triumph, or possibly both during the final 10 games of 2019/20.

Despite being tipped for relegation after gaining promotion from the Championship last term, United had climbed to seventh and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup when the fixture calendar was suspended because of coronavirus in March.

A win over Aston Villa on June 17 - when the ban on competition is scheduled to be lifted - would see them move to within two points of fourth placed Chelsea ahead of the first full round of matches.

“It could be a special season,” Norwood said. “We are challenging for Europe and we deserve to be challenging. The attitude of all the lads is not to let the hard work we’ve put in so far go to waste.”

“The season we are having, it’s definitely possible for us to do something,” Norwood added. “Why not? I think, the way we were playing before all this, that we definitely can.

“Honestly, why can’t we? We’ve shown what we’re capable of and we’ve got to carry that on. We’re ready to get back out there and pick up where we left off.”

An important message:

Sheffield United's English-born Northern Irish midfielder Oliver Norwood reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Sheffield United's English-born Northern Irish midfielder Oliver Norwood reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

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Europe Chris Wilder Chelsea Aston Villa