Sheffield United squabble but always stay friends

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion, which could see United climb to fourth in the Premier League table, Norwood cited the manager’s preference for surrounding himself with strong characters as a major factor behind the club’s results this term.

“There’s a real winning mentality here,” Norwood said. “In head tennis games in the week, there’s arguments about the ball hitting the line, for those little points.

“The physios sometimes come in saying that they can’t referee us, it all gets a little bit ridiculous at times!

“But everyone stays mates. It’s just that competitive streak. It shows we’re all serious about what we’re doing when we’re at work and how much the lads want to do well.”

United enter the meeting with Graham Potter’s side in sixth - two points behind Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League berth - with 12 matches remaining.

Norwood, who discovered earlier this week that he will be offered an improved contract by Wilder, moved to Bramall Lane from Albion at the beginning of last term.

The former Northern Ireland international helped the visitors reach the top-flight before being loaned out to Fulham, where he gained the second of three promotions in as many seasons.

“I don’t hold grudges against people,” Norwood said, referring to his departure from the AMEX Stadium. “It’s people and their opinions.

“I’ve said before, I wouldn’t be a Sheffield United player and enjoying the best time of my life if it wasn’t for those set-backs.

“I probably didn’t like them at the time. But I’m glad with how things have turned out.”