Oli McBurnie reveals his theory behind Sheffield United's superb injury record as they challenge Wolverhampton Wanderers in one area for best in Premier League

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers boast more ever-present players in the Premier League than Sheffield United so far this season; a stat the Midlands club owe to the contractual status of Dean Henderson over anything else.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

But for Henderson's ineligibility to face his parent club, Manchester United, late last year, he would have boosted the number of ever-presents in United's ranks to six - the same number as Wolves.

As it stands the number is five, with Ollie Norwood joining wing-backs George Baldock and Enda Stevens on the list alongside Chris Basham and Jack O'Connell.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Henderson, John Egan and John Lundstram have missed one game apiece while only injury and suspension have caused John Fleck to miss any league football so far.

Oli McBurnie of Sheffield Utd training before their first game in the Premier League: Simon Bellis/SportimageOli McBurnie of Sheffield Utd training before their first game in the Premier League: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Oli McBurnie of Sheffield Utd training before their first game in the Premier League: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Wilder has effectively named the same 'back nine' since the opening day, with the only rotation coming up front as Lys Mousset, David McGoldrick and Oli McBurnie battle for starting shirts, with Callum Robinson and Billy Sharp pushing.

An element of luck, in any contact sport, is required to maintain such a healthy squad and the mind wanders back to Paul Coutts' badly-broken leg at Burton Albion as a stark reminder that bad tackles, and even worse injuries, can happen.

But the fact they have been few and far between since Wilder took charge is testament to their work 'away from the lights', as he so often puts it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wilder told every member of staff - playing and backroom - in the summer that they would have to up their game in the Premier League. And United's strength and conditioning side have certainly held up their end of the bargain.

Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates scoring against West Ham: James Wilson/SportimageOliver McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates scoring against West Ham: James Wilson/Sportimage
Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates scoring against West Ham: James Wilson/Sportimage

"You can see how physical and energetic the boys are and that's because of the training," said striker Oli McBurnie, with 20 appearances in the Premier League now on his Blades CV.

"Touch wood, we've not had many injuries this season. The sports science team are onto us every day with how to look after ourselves and they have us doing so many things, far too many for me to mention as we’d be here all night.

“But Sheffield United have always had that side. Even the boys who haven’t passed their medical, the gaffer here is one who will take a chance. He has confidence in the back-up team to get everyone fit.”There is still room for so-called 'old-school' methods, though. After Friday's victory over West Ham, United's players were handed the weekend off and while McBurnie travelled to Cardiff to cheer on his old club Swansea in the south Wales derby, a number of his teammates were in London making the most of their downtime.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There are a lot fewer games – apart from over Christmas, obviously — and that brings a lot more opportunity to recover," McBurnie added.

"Which is what you need when the games are so much quicker and you have so much less time to make decisions.

“That is why there is a lot of graft at this place and — touch wood — it is working, 100 per cent.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.