Why Chris Wilder says Sheffield United will remain humble and grounded in race for European place

Chris Wilder says his Sheffield United side will remain humble and grounded in their pursuit of a first-ever European campaign this season.
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Wilder's Blades are seventh in the Premier League table with 11 games to go, but trail Manchester United in fifth - which is likely to be the final Champions League spot, after Manchester City's two-year European ban - by just a single point.

United's European rivals have the chance to make up some more ground on the Blades this weekend because Wilder's men have a blank Saturday, owing to planned opponents Aston Villa's involvement in the Carabao Cup against City on Sunday.

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But Wilder, whose side were roundly written off by some pundits as relegation fodder in pre-season, admitted: "We couldn't do anything about those opinions at the start of the season.

Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

"It's pleasing to receive [better] opinions on us now because I’d rather people talk about us positively because of our performances.

"But it quickly changes. Our thought process and full focus is to remain humble and honest in our approach, which we are.

"Look at the next opposition and leave everything out there.

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"Making sure our preparation is spot on before the game. Look at the Bournemouth game [when United came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 late on].

"People spoke about us not getting out of the traps but they started better than us. These things happen.

"But we will control what we can and listen to the views afterwards."

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