Sheffield United's FA Cup hopes are handed a major boost

Manager Chris Wilder, whose side were preparing to meet Arsenal in the last eight when the season was mothballed because of the coronavirus pandemic, welcomed the decision not to scrap the tournament - despite acknowledging it will increase United’s workload during the window which has been set aside to complete the 2019/20 campaign.

“As you can imagine, from the FA’s point of view, they want to get it done,” Wilder told The Star. “What people are talking about is a period of seven weekends to get everything done. Obviously that includes a few midweek matches and the teams in Europe and the cup will have to play a few more.

“But we’re fit and ready. Do we want to carry on with the FA Cup? One hundred per cent.”

Although some of their top-flight rivals have expressed concerns about the scheduling, United are working towards the June 12 restart date contained in the PL’s latest set of proposals.

Seventh in the table - only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea - Wilder’s side have 10 league outings remaining on their schedule.

After being promoted twice in the space of three seasons following Wilder’s appointment four years ago, the FA Cup represents a realistic opportunity for United to end their near century long wait to lift a major piece of silverware.

Without a match since March, Wilder said: “There’s not been serious discussions with Steve (Bettis, United’s chief executive) or Carl (Shieber, United’s head of football administration) from the FA. But, like I say, they’ll want to get it done.

“We’re all missing out on experiences because of what’s happened, like going to St James’ Park, playing Arsenal in front of a full house here.

“But the work is a small price to pay for everything else that’s going off. The bigger picture is that we want to finish the season.”

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