Sheffield United star says his team mates are willing to put their "bodies on the line" to try and achieve Premier League survival

Phil Jagielka says Sheffield United’s players are prepared to “put their bodies on the line” in order to try and lead the club towards Premier League survival, as they prepare for tomorrow’s game against Manchester City.
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The former England international made the revelation as he reflected upon Wednesday night’s win over Manchester United at Old Trafford; United’s first away win over the 20-time champions since the early Seventies.

Chris Wilder’s side recorded only their second victory in the competition this season despite entering the fixture with nine members of their squad unavailable for selection.

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But Jagielka insisted their performance provided an insight into the character of a team which travels to the Etihad Stadium 10 points adrift of safety.

Phil Jagielka congratulates his Sheffield United team mates after their win over Manchester United: Simon Bellis/SportimagePhil Jagielka congratulates his Sheffield United team mates after their win over Manchester United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Phil Jagielka congratulates his Sheffield United team mates after their win over Manchester United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“We were thin on the ground but we showed that desire not only to get a result but to get a win,” the 38-year-old, who replaced the suspended John Egan, said. “We showed we were ready to give everything and to put our bodies on the line.

“It’s been a difficult and frustrating season. But we’ve been in games. We’ve just made a few wrong decisions at key moments. We’ve got to try and kick on now, put ourselves in the mix and see where we can go.”

“We’ll get ready properly now,” Jagielka added. It’s another nice game isn’t it. But this is the Premier League and it’s the division we want to be in.”

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United were narrowly beaten by City at Bramall Lane earlier this term, with former Steelphalt Academy graduate Kyle Walker scoring the only goal of the game.

Phil Jagielka returns to Manchester this weekend: Simon Bellis/SportimagePhil Jagielka returns to Manchester this weekend: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Phil Jagielka returns to Manchester this weekend: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

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