'We'll be back even stronger' says Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Norwood

With 10 games of the campaign left, United are bottom of the table and 12 points behind fourth-bottom Brighton – who also have a game in hand on Chris Wilder’s men.

The Blades travel to third-placed Leicester City this weekend with Brendan Rodgers men battling with Manchester United for second spot, while – barring a miracle – United seem destined for Championship football next season.

And, asked what the aim is between now and the end of the season, Norwood admitted: Restore some pride, definitely. It’s a proud group with a proud manager, and a proud football club.

“We miss the fans, we’ve said all along that that’s the case, and it’s about pride now and sticking your chest out.

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“We were all happy when we were getting the plaudits and we’re not happy when we’re getting the stick, but we’ve got to take it on the chin and we’ve got to come back.”

Much of the recent talk amongst Unitedites has been how many of Wilder’s current squad he can keep at Bramall Lane, if and when relegation is confirmed, and Norwood added: “It’s not the end of this group, nowhere near the end for this group.

“Sometimes it just happens at clubs, you have the seasons where nothing goes right.

“And there’s not a lot gone right this season, for one reason or the other. We’ll sit down and assess it, staff and players, and come back stronger for it.”

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