Sheffield United legend hopes win over Man Utd is 'the start of something special'

The former England international admitted he “punched the air with delight” after watching goals from Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke secure United’s first away win over Manchester United since 1973 last night.

Currie, who made nearly 400 appearances for United between 1968 and 1976, scored when United last beat the 20-time champions of England on home soil nearly half a century ago.

Although Wilder’s men remain at the bottom of the table ahead of this weekend’s game against Manchester City, they began their preparations for the meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side now only 10 points from safety after 17th placed Brighton and Hove Albion were held to a draw by fellow strugglers Fulham.

“We’re into February so it’s going to be tight, we all know that,” Currie told The Star. “But if any group can do it, if any manager can do it for us, then I think it’s this group and it’s Chris.

“The lads should take so much belief from what they did there. And although I admit I was getting a little bit anxious during the final 10 minutes or so, I wasn’t surprised because we’ve all seen what they’re about.

"I know Chris, will be telling them to try and build on what they’ve just done. And, if they do the same things, then I believe they can.”

Like Wilder, who earlier this week insisted United’s results this term have not always reflected their performances, Currie is convinced a squad which finished ninth last season could “easily be” higher up the table.

However, using their recent meetings with the likes of Manchester United, City and title-holders Liverpool as evidence, Currie said: “I think the thing people have always got to remember, whenever they look at a display, is that there are 11 top class players out there on the pitch trying to stop everything you do too. It’s not as easy as saying ‘They should be doing this or that.’

"It’s like when I hear people asking ‘Why is a team sitting back at the end of a game when they’re winning instead of just going for it?’ Well, it’s because the other side are throwing men forward to try and get something back and you have to counter it.”

“I look at all the games we’ve played, against the top names this season, and we’ve never been blown away in one.

"We lost by one goal at our place to City earlier this season. We lost by the odd goal at Liverpool and by the same when Manchester United came here last year as well. So that tells you something.”

Former Steelphalt Academy graduate Kyle Walker scored the only goal of the contest when City travelled to South Yorkshire in October.

United’s win over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad, who drew level when another one of their ex-players - Harry Maguire - cancelled-out Bryan’s opener, meant City remained at the top of the table; two points ahead of their neighbours.

“It’s all about having belief in what you can do,” Currie said. “These lads have got the right character and the right man leading them.”

SPECIAL OFFER: By subscribing to The Star’s sports-only digital package you help us to continue providing the best coverage of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. Until February 1 there’s 20% off a year’s subscription, taking you through what is expected to be a busy transfer window. All the details are HERE, just use the promo code TRANSFER20.