Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder makes a European football pledge to Blades fans ahead of Bournemouth clash

United, who are sixth in the Premier League table with 13 matches of the season to go, trail Chelsea in the fourth Champions League spot by just five points - and may yet be granted an extra shot at the Europa League if Manchester City win the EFL Cup, and/or a top four side lifts the FA Cup.

The first of United's remaining 13 league games - they also travel to Reading in the last 16 of the FA Cup in early March - comes this weekend when they face Eddie Howe's AFC Bournemouth, live on BT Sport.

Despite the possibility of United entering European competition for the first time becoming more realistic with every win they pick up, Wilder – who last week broke United’s transfer record by signing Sander Berge for £22m – has consistently refused to be drawn on the subject.

And the United manager, when asked about a possible push for Europe again at his pre-match press conference, insisted: “We'll push for the next three points and that’s it.

“We'll look at the end of the season and where it gets us. I said the same last year, and that's the way it’s going to be.

“I'm not going to mug anyone off... for a newly promoted side, 40 has always been a big number for everyone. And I should imagine that when we do get there, we can plan.

It’d be disrespectful to say anything other than we look likely to get those points. Of course we will, because of our performances and our attitude, but it’s always about the next three points.

“Fans don’t want to see us take the foot off the gas. They pay their hard-earned money and when a player pulls that shirt on, they expect. And so do I.

“Whether it’s now, 10 games to go or the last day, it’ll be full tilt to go right to the end.”