FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 KEEP THE PHYSIO QUIET

Sheffield United’s injury record was remarkable until they had a few knocks after lockdown. Only 21 different players started a league match across the season and George Baldock played every minute, while Chris Basham and Enda Stevens started every game. A lot of work goes into injury prevention, and that will prove key once again for a squad that does lack depth in certain areas.

2 BE MORE ADVENTUROUS

The Blades finished 2019- 20 with a level goal difference, thanks to a terrific backline, but that’s a lot of pressure for the defence to sustain again. Only one side in the Premier League created fewer chances. However, four clubs scored fewer goals, so United do create good- quality opportunities – they could just do with carving out more of them.

3 SHOW NO FEAR

It’s an approach that has served them well so far under Wilder, and there’s no reason that should change going forward. Before the season’s long delay, the Blades went to teams such as Spurs and Arsenal not with the intention of swapping shirts and taking selfies, but of getting results. Their belief grew after fighting back to draw at Chelsea in late August, and that front- foot approach should stay.

4 DON’T PANIC

Football can be a fickle old game, and folks get twitchy. Wilder has now built up an enormous amount of goodwill at Bramall Lane – there’s even talk of a statue – but he knows as well as anyone that a few bad games can quickly turn opinion. If Sheffield United start the season slowly, it’s vital that fans and owner alike keep some perspective.

5 EMBRACE THE SUPPORTERS’ RETURN

This one is out of Sheffield United’s hands, admittedly, but there’s no doubt that playing games behind closed doors adversely affected them. They have such a close bond with their supporters, and when the season eventually restarted, it took the Blades too long to adjust to fans not being in the stadium. The sooner they can return, the better.