Sheffield United manager John Lundstram reveals why he owes Chris Wilder a huge debt of gratitude ahead of Chelsea's visit to Bramall Lane

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea, Lundstram confirmed the offer United made to him midway through last year remains “on the table” but unsigned following nearly 12 months of deliberation.

Accepting the issue is a source of debate, and acknowledging why some members of United’s following might be concerned by his failure to extend a deal which expires this summer, the former England youth international told The Star he wants to repay Wilder’s shows of solidarity by helping the club avoid relegation before deciding whether to accept or decline the invitation to stay put.

After insisting he “wouldn’t even consider picking” Lundstram if there were any doubts about his commitment, the United manager has continued to select the Liverpudlian in his matchday squads ahead of the meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

“The gaffer has been brilliant to be fair,” Lundstram said. “He knows what type of character I am. He sees me on the training pitch every day. He believes in me. He knows that every time I go out there I will give 100 percent, whether that’s an actual game or a training session.

“It meant a lot at the time, to hear him say all that, it really did. Hopefully I can repay him with a few goals between now and the end of the season.”

Lundstram is expected to make his 20th appearance of the season against the visitors from Stamford Bridge; a fixture United hope will see them take another step towards survival. Despite winning five of their last seven outings in all competitions, they have prepared for the contest at the foot of the table and 11 points adrift of safety. Although he acknowledged United are facing a “big challenge” to retain their top-flight status after finishing ninth in the table last term, Lundstram insisted recent victories over the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion confirm there is still a chance of avoiding a return to the Championship. It was noticeable that the word “we” peppered his conversations with journalists during today’s media briefing.

“I think everyone respects what a good team we are,” Lundstram replied, when asked if opponents are treating United differently following their recent run. “I heard Owen Hargreaves had said the other day that we are the best team to ever be at the bottom of the table.

“I’m a part of this club and while I am, we are all in this together.”

Chelsea climbed to sixth when they beat arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur last night.

But reminding how United had pushed leaders Manchester City close before being narrowly beaten at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, Lundstram said: “There’s no such thing as a ‘free hit’ game when you're a professional. Especially not with the situation we are in. We’ve put ourselves in it, now we’ve got to try and get ourselves out of it.”

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