Why Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson says Blades' capitulation in 3-3 draw at Villa Park was 'fantastic' in long run

That’s because he believes it gave the Blades squad extra impetus as a team, and also helped him refocus as the Championship promotion run-in reached a crucial phase.

United led 3-0 at Villa Park thanks to Billy Sharp’s hat-trick, before three goals in the last eight minutes saw Villa complete the fightback and leave United with just a point to show for their efforts.

But, speaking ahead of this weekend’s meeting between the Blades and Villa, Henderson remembers that game as “fantastic for me personally because it gave me a kick up the backside and made me come back stronger.

“For the side it was obviously disappointing. We battered them and to get the sucker-punch wasn’t nice, but it made our season. I still believe it got us promoted.

“It was a bit rough in the dressing room afterwards but that’s what the game’s about. It showed that everyone cares and that we have got a lot of winners. It made us stronger as a group, as individuals and as a team and benefitted us in the long run.”

Henderson added: “Football’s gone soft now hasn’t it? It’s unfortunate but at this club everyone wants to do well. The hard work, mentality and passion is there to see.”