Sheffield United: Defender Jack O'Connell makes Blades pledge ahead of Manchester United test

Defender Jack O’Connell believes Sheffield United’s Premier League performances so far prove that they will not get overawed this weekend when Manchester United visit Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson (left) shakes hands with team mate Jack O'Connell (centre) at the end of the Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson (left) shakes hands with team mate Jack O'Connell (centre) at the end of the Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson (left) shakes hands with team mate Jack O'Connell (centre) at the end of the Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.

Recent data by footylabs, designed to help fantasy football players, suggested that United have had the third hardest start to the Premier League season but they currently sit fifth in the top-flight table, after positive results against the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham so far this season.

Next up for Chris Wilder’s men is a clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side, who make the trip over the Pennines two places and a point behind the Blades in the formative league standings.

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No-one has to remind O’Connell, a Scouser who grew up supporting Liverpool, about the importance of a clash against the Red Devils.

And the defender said: “The next game is always the biggest game of the season and Manchester United is a massive club, with a rich history.

“They have some very good players, internationals all over the pitch, and we’re expecting a tough game. But we’ll be going in it trying to win.

“For a lot of players, it’s their first time playing at big stadiums and against these teams but I don’t think the occasions have got the better of us. We’ve performed, and hope to do the same in the near future.”

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O’Connell pointed to the most recent example of the credible draw last time out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, when United had a equaliser ruled out by VAR after a lengthy stoppage before George Baldock eventually cancelled out Son’s opening goal.

“It could have been more than a point,” O’Connell said. “They’re a very good team and they got to the Champions League final last season so we knew all about their strengths.

“Looking back, a point was probably the right result although I think we could have won.

“We’ve had some pretty good results of late but I think the international break has come at a good time for us, so we can rest and recover ahead of another big game on Sunday.”

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The Blades will be backed by a sell-out crowd at Bramall Lane, and O’Connell has reminded United’s supporters how important they are to their side’s hopes of success in the Premier League.

“We definitely need them,” the defender added.

“Even away from home, you can hear the travelling fans from the pitch.

“But especially at home, we need the fans. We need Bramall Lane to be a fortress and it has so far, to be fair.

“Even the games that we’ve been beaten at home have been harsh on us. It’s been down to indivudal errors so if we can cut them out, I think we can get even more wins.

“We know we’re solid. We got the most clean sheets in the league last season, and we work so hard for each other. We've shown that this season too.”

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