Record signing Sander Berge reveals the amazing lengths Sheffield United are prepared to go to in order to qualify for Europe

Sander Berge says Sheffield United’s players are so determined to qualify for Europe next season they are ready to “sacrifice” their own physical well-being in order to prevent opponents from scoring against them.
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The Norway international made the admission ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which could see Chris Wilder’s team move to within a point of the visitors who have prepared for the match in sixth.

Revealing United will attempt to take the game to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, despite the significance of the fixture, Berge said: “Sheffield United is about being very aggressive and playing on the front foot. We are efficient but we are warriors.

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People are sacrificing their own health to keep the ball out of our goal. It’s not about playing three passes that look nice. Whether we have 30 per cent possession or 60 per cent possession, we can still win games.”

Berge became the most expensive player in United’s history six months ago, when he completed a £22m move from Belgian club Genk. Aged 22, the midfielder was also being monitored by Napoli before agreeing to join Wilder’s team.

“The intensity of the Premier League, I knew it was physical,” Berge said. “But playing as a defensive midfielder in a Belgian side that has 60 to 70 per cent possession in every game to becoming a box to box player, obviously it was more difficult. I make more high intensity runs.

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“The club has been patient and I am patient. I have felt way more comfortable over the past few games. The more game time you get, the more you read the game in the same way as your team mates.”

Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates with Sander Berge (R) after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane: Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty ImagesOliver McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates with Sander Berge (R) after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane: Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images
Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates with Sander Berge (R) after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane: Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images

“I felt very at home in Sheffield from the first minute - with the skipper (Billy Sharp) making a song for me with some fans,” he added. “I am used to playing at clubs that are hard working and humble and this is the best dressing room I have been to by far.

“I still say my opinion, and I think they look at me like a younger brother. Everybody, if you are staff or a fan, it’s like Sheffield United for life.”

Berge is expected to make his 12th appearance for United against Wolves, having scored his first goal for the club during last week’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He also put the ball in the back of the net during Sunday’s draw with Burnley, but the effort was disallowed due to an earlier infringement.

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“Everybody wants to contribute to the team,” Berge said. “But the forwards can score goals and we can all score goals. We have a good block, we want to come high up the pitch and put pressure on. “The way we play, everybody comes into the box in normal play."

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, right, and Sheffield United's Sander Berge, left, challenge for the ball during the FA Cup sixth round soccer match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane: Andrew Boyers/Pool via APArsenal's Bukayo Saka, right, and Sheffield United's Sander Berge, left, challenge for the ball during the FA Cup sixth round soccer match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane: Andrew Boyers/Pool via AP
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, right, and Sheffield United's Sander Berge, left, challenge for the ball during the FA Cup sixth round soccer match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane: Andrew Boyers/Pool via AP

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