Sheffield United have made such a fast start to the season that it’s got some fans dreaming of Europe.
The Blades sit fifth in the Premier League table. A draw at Spurs last weekend maintained their unbeaten away record. Their next fixture sees them entertain Manchester United at Bramall Lane, a game which will be a true test for Chris Wilder’s men.
The Red Devils sit just behind United in the table. They have just started to piece some form back together following the return of a few key players, such as Anthony Martial.
But while Manchester United fans see playing in Europe as being the norm for their club, at the moment it remains what some call an unrealistic dream for Sheffield United fans. However, in reality, that dream might not be too far-fetched.
Going along nicely
According to a report from the official Premier League website, the Blades are currently on course for 54 points this season. That means earning 1.42 points per game, enough to comfortably cement a top-half finish and maybe more.
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As the report details, United currently have one more point at this stage of the season than Wolves did last term. Nuno Santo’s men went on to qualify for Europe, a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted team. Although, Wolves did pick up 57 points, which is three more than United’s current average would give them.
History on United’s side.
We’ve had a quick look back through the Premier League tables of recent times and 54 points would put United in with a shout of landing a place in Europe.
Below is where 54 points would have seen the Blades finish in the last eight seasons.
2018/19 – 8th
2017/18 – 7th
2016/17 -8th
2015/16 – 9th
2014/15 – 9th
2013/14 – 9th
2012/13 – 8th
2011/12 – 8th
Those stats point to an 8th place finish for United if you take a quick average. It wouldn’t mean a place in Europe for Chris Wilder’s men but it would represent a more than stellar return to the top-flight for the club.
Regardless of how the season pans out from here on in, it’s been a first third of the season to savour for Blades fans.