Why won't Sheffield United talk about Europe?

But now Sheffield United have accumulated the number regarded as a guarantee of survival, Chris Wilder’s latest target, indeed his only target in the competition, is beating Norwich City next weekend.

Not scoring 60 goals, topping the ‘clean sheets’ table or, whisper it quietly, qualifying for Europe. Well, publicly at least.

“Nothing changes,” Wilder insisted, following United’s draw with Brighton, which saw them achieve their original objective. “It’s an extremely competitive league.

“We’re proud of our position. We’ve done a lot of things right and we’ll have to do a lot of things right between now and the end of the season.

“We’re in a great position and we’re looking for the next three points.”

Publicly, Wilder has refused to contemplate the prospect of taking part in the Europa or the Champions leagues. Some of his players have briefly discussed the possibility. But invitations for their manager to do likewise are met with a knowing smile and then the sound of him talking about something else.

So why is Wilder so reluctant to acknowledge it is a genuine possibility? The tightness of the race is one reason, with only eight points separating fourth from 11th. But history, including the two promotion winning campaigns he has masterminded since taking charge in 2016, is arguably the most important.

Three years ago, when United were blazing a trail towards the League One title, Wilder was secretly convinced they were not only capable of reaching the Championship but also, by amassing 100 points, reaching it in style. They did, but the first time Wilder admitted their sights were set on that landmark was when United made sure of top spot.

The lesson that taught him - about the importance of keeping your own counsel and taking small, incremental steps - also served his squad well last term. Leeds, who also had their sights set on securing second place, shouted it from the rooftops. But after predicting Wilder’s side would wilt under pressure, they finished third before losing in the play-offs.

“I’m not a comfortable manager and my team aren’t comfortable either,” Wilder, whose squad is seventh in the table, said. “But all we want to do is win our next game, and it won’t be easy by the way, and then focus on trying to win the next one after that.”