We’re playing without fear’

JOHN LUNDSTRAM has never played against Manchester United, but he’s got no fear that Sheffield United can take them down.

The on-song midfielder has been a shining light for the Blades in their first season back in the big time.

And with confidence flying high after beating Arsenal, and commendable draws with Chelsea and Spurs, it’s little wonder Lundstram (right) believes Chris Wilder’s improving team can cause a shock at Bramall Lane today.

“I’ve never played against Manchester United, but now that it’s coming along I understand the magnitude of the game,” stressed

Lundstram. “It’s one I’m really looking forward to. We’ve beaten Arsenal and had some good results, so without those results we might not have had as much belief as we have.

“But we’re going into the game with lots of confidence. It will be a packed house at the Lane, so you never know what can happen.” The Blades are a point ahead of United in the league after their fine start and, although Lundstram and boss Wilder admit the visitors don’t have the same ‘fear factor’ they once had, they both remain wary of the threat the 13-time Premier League champions possess.

“If the real Manchester United turn up against us it’s going to be a really difficult afternoon,” admitted Lundstram, who has scored three goals and only been on the losing side three times in 12 matches this season.

“With the players they’ve got, if they turn up it will be a tough match. But we’ve got to go out there without fear. The manager doesn’t let us have any type of fear.

“The club is on the up. If you would have said to any Sheffield

United fan at the start of the season that we’d be ahead of United in the table, they would have bitten your hand off.”