Sheffield United star reveals next season's Premier League ambitions for Blades

George Baldock believes the fact that Sheffield United fell short in their pursuit of European football should be put into perspective after a remarkable first season back in the top-flight.
Sheffield United's George Baldock (L) vies for the ball with Everton's Lucas Digne  during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Sheffield United's George Baldock (L) vies for the ball with Everton's Lucas Digne  during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sheffield United's George Baldock (L) vies for the ball with Everton's Lucas Digne during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

United's hopes of sealing a first European campaign in the club's long history were ended on Monday night, when a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton left them four points behind seventh-placed Spurs with just one game remaining.

Even seventh may not have been enough to seal a Europa League place, which will instead be taken by Arsenal if they beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley next month.

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But the Blades are guaranteed a top-ten finish and could finish as high as eighth, the position they currently occupy. Chris Wilder's men were widely written-off at the beginning of the current season, but at one stage were in touching distance of a Champions League spot.

And Baldock, who joined United soon after they won promotion from League One just three years ago, said: "Sometimes, because of how well we have done, the expectation levels have risen. We've come a long way in the three years I've been here, and to be in this position we're in now is remarkable, really.

"Sometimes, we have to remember that. It's been a hell of a season for us but the Gaffer here will always want more. We'll be looking to put in a performance at Southampton on Sunday, and then go again next season."

Defeat to Everton was United's first at home in the league since they were beaten by Manchester City in January, while they beat European rivals Chelsea, Wolves and Spurs after lockdown ended.

"We can compete with anyone in this league," Baldock added.

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"We have some talented boys in our squad and I see it every day in training. I hear a lot about our good team spirit but we also have some unbelievable players. I can't wait for the fans to be back in the stadium and roaring us on, as we look to go again and better this season."

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