It’s taken just a few weeks of positive results and Ian Wright has become the first pundit to back Sheffield United to stay up.
The Blades’ spirited effort at Man City yesterday, coupled with a huge win at Manchester United in midweek, has raised spirits around Bramall Lane.
Indeed, Chris Wilder delivered a passionate message following the game at City, insisting he believes the players can still turn things around.
And those thoughts have been echoed by former Arsenal hero Wright, who made a big claim on Match of the Day about United’s chances.
“Erm…I’m going to say it’s not too late. They’ve had eight 1-0 losses but they’re working very hard,” Wright said.
“They need to convert a few more chances. He says he’s scratching his head Chris Wilder and I’m going to agree with him. With the work they’re putting in, they’re luck has to change. I think they can get out of it.”
Fellow MOTD pundit Jermaine Jenas said he ‘loved it’ from Wright, calling his prediction a ‘big shout’. And in fairness, it is a big shout.
But there is a growing belief among fans and the club in general that something might be able to be rescued. Even if that’s not our place in the Premier League, it looks like we are going to go in a blaze of glory if we do.
Big shout from Ian Wright but pleasing to hear
Every Blade is more optimistic after the last few weeks. Four wins from five, one game from the quarters of the FA Cup, and a historic win over Manchester United means things are a bit more acceptable in S2.
But without being negative, it is still a huge shout to stay up. The Blades have 17 games. With only eight points on the board, we’re looking at winning at least 8 of those to have a chance of survival, with a few draws thrown in.
35 points has been enough to stay up in the last three seasons. That has to be United’s target. Of course, simply winning the next game will be Wilder’s only hope.
But longer term, that is the total the Blades should have in the back of their minds.
