Why Sheffield United have more to fear from coronavirus panic in chase for European spot

Not because of the loss of ticket revenues. Top-flight status, or rather the millions it guarantees in terms of broadcasting and media rights, represents a pretty comprehensive insurance policy against such financial risks.

But after citing the connection between his team and its supporters as a factor behind United’s climb into European contention, Chris Wilder has drawn a direct link between the results which have propelled them to within five points of the Champions League places and the backing they receive from the terraces.

Being forced to compete inside empty stadiums would therefore be a huge handicap; particularly at such a critical stage of the campaign.

Reflecting upon last weekend’s victory over Norwich City, and as he prepared to begin making plans for Saturday’s visit to Newcastle, Wilder explained how the fans had helped his team navigate safe passage through its latest fixture.

“The connection between them and the players was right up there, as it always has been right from the start of my time back here,” the United manager said.

“We try to connect everybody to give ourselves the best opportunity.

“Going into the last 20 to 25 minutes, when they (Norwich) were taking chances and we were having to dig really deep, it felt like the whole ground was getting behind us.

“The players have been magnificent. But the supporters are inspiring the players as well.”

Wilder has made repeated references to the rapport between his squad and its followers since taking charge in 2016.

Despite twice leading United to promotion since, he cites repairing a relationship which had become fractured as the greatest and most proudest achievement of his reign so far.

Even if United lift the FA Cup - they are scheduled to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals - reach the Europa League or, as bizarre as it sounds after only climbing out of the second tier 11 months ago, UEFA’s flagship club competition, one suspects that stance will not change.

After all, like his captain Billy Sharp and former co-owner Kevin McCabe, Wilder is a lifelong United supporter.

Inevitably, he has been accused by some of deliberately trying to curry favour with those who file through the turnstiles at Bramall Lane with his repeated references to their importance.

But an analysis of United’s results suggest he is right, particularly with United’s ground recently voted the most atmospheric in the PL by one popular football website, to describe the fans as the team’s twelfth man.

Seven of the home wins they have recorded on home soil this term have come via a one goal winning margin. Seventh in the table, and with fellow top six hopefuls Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all yet to visit South Yorkshire, Wilder will be desperate to ensure United can still draw upon one of the greatest weapons in their armoury.

Even though, with players such as John Fleck, Oliver Norwood and Jack O’Connell at their disposal, it would be a mistake to claim United are prospering because of passion alone. Still, that combination of skill and sensational backing is proving to be an intoxicating mix.

“When it’s like this, when it’s rocking, at its best and intimidating in a good way,” Wilder said after Norwich were dispatched.

“Then walking off at the end, there’s nowhere I would rather be.”