A selection of quotes from neutral fans on Sheffield United’s season so far

Arsenal Fans

“Well done Sheffield if keep going like this they’ll be at least in europa next season. “ “Sheffield could make top 4 with the rate they’re going.” “Sheffield United deserve so much credit, they are 5th in the league!

It isn’t after 5 games, it isn’t after 10 games…it’s after 26 ****ing games…outstanding from Wilder.” “Fair play where its due they deserve all the credits so far!” “We should keep an eye on Wilder.”

Spurs Fans

“Sheffield united’s run in is good. They’re well in it for that last top 4 place.” “Sheffield United are only two points off Chelsea in fourth, I don’t care what anybody says this has to be getting to the Chelsea players.” “Sheffield in the Champions League would be hillarious” “Well if we aren’t to get top 4, I hope S United do” “Sheffield’s crossing is just unbelievable” “Berge looks very average so far. Gave the ball away in lead up to Bournemouth goal and then went straight to sleep allowing the attacker to get the cross in.

Based on that game, a midfield that consisted of him and Tanguy would be called ‘can’t run, won’t run’! Sander doesn’t look the most mobile” “Dunno why lunstrum is getting benched recently, twice now he’s come on and done v well. Plus messing up my fantasy team” “I’ve had a dislike of them after getting beaten up outside bramall lane when a student.”

Everton Fans

“Frustrating to think where we may have been this season, had we not dropped points to the smaller teams (Norwich, Sheff Utd, Brighton, Newcastle)” “Sheff Utd are impressive but I doubt they’ll stay above us.” “It’s testament to how rubbish the league is this year when we’re actually contending for Europe. Credit to Sheffield United though: they’ve done well!” “I wonder what the media would say if we have a really good set of results in the next 4 matches and passed by the heroes of current media, their favourites Sheffield Utd?” “It will be a few years and a miracle performed by Carlo before we are accepted as on of the “top” clubs. Even Sheff Utd will have to repeat this season for two more years before they get to be a member. Leicester are just about inside the door” “Sheffield united I feel are a one season wonder” “For where we aspire to be, players like Berge are not good enough”

Wolves Fans

“Would be a great testament to footballs to the team and the manager if they finish with Europa league. I wish them all the best.” “Sheffield United are good. Very good. It’s brilliant to have teams like them, Leicester and ourselves putting the cat right among the pigeons.” ” fair play to Sheffield United, what a fantastic team they are currently. Guess like us last season (and this!) lots of their top players getting speculatively linked with moves away.” “Sheffield United are having a fantastic season and look a very good team. Better than us is hard to say. Very few of their players get in our side and yet they may well finish above us and some of the “big 6″.” “I don’t think Sheffield Utd are better than us? They’re in better form… very good side of course.” “Sheffield United aren’t better than us. They have had better luck with injuries (mostly playing the same team like us) and not had a dozen extra games due to EL. They absolutely earn their place in the top 6 right now but I don’t think they are better.” “Sheffield United aren’t better than us, they’re ahead of us in the table at the moment but they’re not a better outfit. This isn’t saying they’re not a good side, they are, they work as a team and they fully deserve to be pushing towards the top six but I expect that at the end of the season we’ll be above them.” “As long as we finish above them! I am not fond to be honest. Hit the deck quicker than some of villas players so that’s saying something.”

Man City Fans

“can’t believe how they keep grinding out results they are utter shite” “They are dire” “Sheffield United really are shit, Fleck aside” “Absolute Sunday morning stuff.” “They didn;t deserve to beat Bournemouth. Lovely goal though” “Regardless still some achievement at this stage of the season for sheff utd to be fifth and two points off a champions league spot ( although having played a game more )” “There’s a lot of very ordinary sides in the PL. That being said, credit must go to Wilder and Howe. Wilder for getting his side to punch above their weight this season” “Rag but Henderson is deffo better than Pickford”

Southampton Fans

“Genuinely looking forward to the last game of the season to see Sheffield Uniteds away support as they’ve been bigging it up so much! Was shocking atmosphere when we were there earlier in the season, so it’ll be their chance to prove themselves!” “Feels like Sheffield Utd have had winnable games for weeks and weeks” “Sheffield United They don’t want to stand still.A team safe from relegation and target achieved but still want to strengthen yet saints fans should be happy as we are nearly safe.Such a small club mentality. “ “If Sheffield United could sign Sander Berge then why couldn’t we?”

Watford Fans

“Can you not see we need to spend ! Sheff Utd spent 20m on a player in jan & it’s there 1st season up in prem” “Proper team Sheff Utd. Didn’t start either half particularly well but ground out a good result. It’s embarrassing watching the Bournemouth players shouting and screaming as they go to ground looking for cards. As the United players just popped straight up looking to get on with play. So hope they’re one of the three to get relegated. “ “Never thought I’d celebrate a late Sheff Utd goal like that. What a f-kin state this season has turned me into.” “Go on Sheffield United! Want them to win for Watford reasons but also they are playing the game properly not throwing themselves to the floor like Bournemouth.” “Gosling deserved worse than a few sarky comments for trying to get a Sheffield United player who never touched him sent off”

Man Utd Fans

“It’s been fun to watch them this season” “Sheffield United are definitely getting that 4th spot.” “Sheffield United’s crossing is next level, cant beat a good cross, causes so many problems especially when u have players in the box with a quality delivery”, “Chris Wilder has Sheffield so well drilled it’s incredible. A clear style of play + results will have them play Europa League next season if they keep on going like this” “Nobody can tell me Sheffield United’s players are superior man for man compared to our side – makes all the ‘I need time’ propaganda look absolutely silly from Ole and co. Just shows you what an impact a competent coach have on ANY set of players.” “If life were FIFA, this would be true, but it’s not. Players aren’t an accumulation of their stats. Mentality matters just as much. Sheffield United may not be technically superior, but they are mentally stronger, and that makes a difference” “Mean while ole needs 200 million player in each position to beat Newcastle and Bournemouth LMAO” “Sheff Utd play the right style of football and every single player gives 100% game in game out. Shame that we don’t have these levels of performances, where every single player digs deep.” “Sheffield came from the championship and they’re a better COACHED team than us” “I dont think Sheffield United got a star creative player in their team, they’re just well coached” “Isn’t it funny that Sheffield United have a better manager than the Great Manchester United” “On paper we got the a better squad than sheffield but they playing fantastic football than us. Ole with his excuses will never take us anywhere” “It’s good seen dean Henderson playing so well for Sheffield United… but well enough to see him getting them into the top four… qualify for the champions league…only for him to come back to us in the summer playing the Europa league… life is funny” “We’re 4 points behind sheffield united but our assistant manager is out there tweeting like we’re on top of the league table”

Norwich Fans

“They are the team of the season by far.” “Fair play to them. Done brilliantly so far, a European spot would be a great reward for them” “Fair Play Sheffield United. Makes me think what might have been if Norwich would have pushed the boat out not crazily but just a touch.” “To be fair Sheff U been building squad for +5yrs & have very wealthy owner, we don’t!! Very poor investment previously & lacking in stability over same period as Sheff U. Keeping what we have now & growing will finally give what we the fans crave.” “Sheff Utd have spent quite a lot..” “Getting wound up about sheff utd being 5th & us bottom really is the biggest waste of energy I can think of. There are too many differences between the clubs to list at this point in time plus we’re half way through a 5 year plan, I’ll wait to judge” “Whilst important to credit Sheff U for a fabulous season, it’s also worth mentioning that had they suffered the same defensive injury crisis we did, they’d also sit at the foot of the table. Nothing beats a big old dollop of good luck in football.” “They’ve been absolutely amazing but the one time this season they had to make wholesale changes to their defence they let in 3 goals”. “So without injuries you think we’d be 5th in the league? …. lol” “Many parallels between our 2011/12 season (1st back in the PL) and Sheff Utd.’s current one. Both managers dragged the clubs up from L1 with squads built from lower leagues. Will Wilder be tempted by the Villa job in the summer?”

Aston Villa Fans

” think what wilder is doing w Sheffield United is the model for any team wanting to be competitive in the PL” “Would be hilarious to see Sheff Utd and Leicester making the top 4 and Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs miss out.” “Was watching Sheffield United this weekend and while they obviously have signed new players as well, they are very drilled in their roles and it looks like they know each others movement to a tee. And a large part of this in my mind is having the same manager and squad over several years. ” “Sheffield Utd have mature senior pros forming the spine of the side – Basham (31), Fleck (28), Norwood (28), Sharp (34), McGoldrick (32). It’s a much more mature group of players than ours, and all those senior players were there last season.” “Sheff United 5th. Incredible from them. Fair play. 10 wins to our 7. Makes you think where we could’ve been with a striker. Not saying we would be up there but at least safe.” “Chris Wilder has done a fantastic job with Sheffield United this season, but I wonder if some injuries will bite them at the end of the year and if they’ll start falling down the table.” “I’m quite sad that Sander Berge ended up at Sheffield U”

Newcastle Fans

“They’re safe now” “Got a lot of time for Sheffield United (family members who support them) but I don’t think 40 will be enough this year. We may see a record points haul for a relegated side. BUT they’re in a superior position to many. Well done and good luck to them.” “Wilder bring a fresh mindset to the players and the league, no praising of effort or commitment, that’s a given. Hope they get into Europe, they deserve it.” “I think Bruce has done a good job since taking over . I don’t however agree with this not having the players to play a different way. Brighton ,sheff Utd don’t play that way . I think we actually have some decent technical players and we don’t play to their strengths” “How can a newly promoted side in sheff united made up of championship and league 1 players play a much better brand of football (with success) but we cannot. Chris wilder manages to do it with less tools.” “Wilder is a vastly superior coach. Bruce still has no identity or playing style after 6 months and several players were not here under rafa.” “we got the wrong Sheffield manager in the summer that’s definitely for sure!” “I’m all for crediting Sheff Utd for having a great season & yes good on them for breaking their transfer record today but there’s still not one of their players I’d have in my Newcastle team” “Certainly not McGoldrick but the rest of their strikers are better than what we have. The new guy Sander Berge is coming in with a lot of expectation. Overall though they are stronger than us in striker area so it’s unfair to say we wouldn’t take at least one striker off them” “ill never take away Liverpool success this season but.. how bad have all the other teams been. I mean without doubt Newcastle (my team) will be in trouble next season if teams get back to winning/ more consistent form. Newcastle Sheffield proving good contenders through consistency.”

Liverpool Fans

“Storm Ciara stops the whole of the UK but not Sheffield United” “I’m a bit in love with this Sheff Utd team.” “The definition of hardwork, organisation & preparation. You dont need to have the most expensive players to compete in this league, you just need players that know their jobs & give 100% each game. Full credit due to all players & staff at the only decent “United” in the league!” “Exceptional job, really like Sheff U and Chris Wilder. Seems great team spirit and a load of neat and tidy players. More power to them “ “Met a couple in Turkey last summer and they both thought SUFC would do ok but most likely get relegated. For them alone I’m over the moon for this side. And by the way, so much more than just a well organised defensive team!” “Would love to see Messi turn up for a Champions League game at Bramall Lane.” “Wilder has done it with a largely Championship level squad, and a few good additions. Meanwhile, the likes of Hodgson are whinging about no signings and battling relegation, when they’ve got more than good enough resources to be comfortable.”

Leicester Fans

“You can tell it’s a winter break when Sheff Utd and Leeds are the main talking points in the football world over the last week” “Sheff Utd are playing similar to the way we did when we won the title fair play to them” “We had some of the best players in the league. They haven’t got a single player who’d make a top half side. And most wouldn’t make a bottom half side.

It makes their achievement very impressive. But don’t kid ourselves that they are any good.” “They have team full of players who’d make a top half side, that top half side being Sheffield United.” “Hope Sheffield United can sneak into the top four, big credit to Chris Wilder. What a job he’s doing there!” “Love to see the mass panic of the big clubs when Leicester and Sheffield United get in to the Champions League. Man Utd and Arsenal will be screaming, banging on the doors of UEFA begging for closed shop European Super League.” “Individually they aren’t anything special but the system and the way the players compliment one another is priceless and more effective than anything Man Utd and the like could try and simply purchase off the shelf.

They don’t need the so called technical ability from key players, as long as Wilder keeps them progressing and bringing in the eight players who can play their unique system then they’ll stay a top 8 team comfortably. It’s great to see. ” “They don’t have great individuals but they’re a good team who nail the job they’re told to do. There are many ways to skin a cat.

The real test will come next year when people are more aware of what they do. Can they adapt. But right now, they’re a good team doing the business for their manager. “ “They aren’t very good” “You don’t get to 5th after 26 games without being ‘very good’. “ “Only a fool writes off a team in their position with 12 games to go.There are plenty of fools about though.” “I saw the same comments about us on every opposing teams forum in 15/16 – right before we played and beat them.

It’s pure snobbery. “ “Sheffield United are brilliant, a very likeable team with a very likeable manager.” “I’m glad Wilder called Bournemouth out for their play acting. When we played them I thought they were awful for it. Worst in the league for it” “O’Connell should be considered for the England squad” “Nobody’s really mentioning the likes of O’Connell though, I’d throw Baldock into the mix too, both worthy of a call up imo.” “Henderson too” “Henderson comes across as a right arrogant bastard but yeah he should be considered for England.” “He’s way behind Pope. And Foster. But ahead of Pickford. But no prizes for guessing who Southgate likes best.”

West Ham Fans

“2 points off fifth place in Feb for the Blades. Whatever you think about that club in a general sense, that’s quite something” “Most if the crap was from Kevin McCabe, much like the owners of our club” “Champions League for Sheff Utd and relegation for us…” “Time to bin the Tevez masks” “They are having a great season and Wilder has done a superb job there – really building a team that knows what it’s good at and capable of.

I know it sometimes looks folly when some people, myself included, said that top 6 was possible in the early part of the season – but they, and Leicester, are proving it.” “Wilder should cut bait and ask his agent to take any ‘upgraded’ role in the summer (or during the panic stations that start in November for underperforming clubs).

He’s done a brilliant job there but there’s no historical example of a team like that succeeding in the long term. Howe and Dyche could tell him a thing or two about not jumping when the planets briefly align. One ‘status’ club on your CV and you’re on the circuit forever. (Moyes is the one to speak to about that).” “Why would he want to do that? He’s a Sheffield United fan. Who is to say he doesn’t go elsewhere and, bereft if his team, he can not replicate what he achieved, never mind pushing higher?” “Good manager, shite club” “let’s see how they get on next season” “A lot has gone their way this season.. down next season.”

Chelsea Fans

“Sheffield United only TWO points behind us. TWO. POINTS. BEHIND.” “good on them! Least they’ll be staying up” “I wouldn’t mind if Sheffield United got a Champions League place instead if us” “Well you arent a real Chelsea fan then” “Sheffield was a tougher match than we initially thought at the time.” ” the only other on paper tough game left is away at Sheffield United all the rest are versus dregs” “If Sheffield get top 4, then Wilder is a lock in for top 3 manager of the decade minimum, already” “Why can fking Sheffield defend with nonames and we still defend like shit?”

Burnley Fans