The Blades have found life tough in the Premier League but have gained plenty of plaudits from managers including the likes of Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou
Sheffield United have found life tough in the opening weeks of the season but they have earned plenty of praise from opposition managers. Whether it’s highlighting the gulf in quality between the Championship and Premier League from David Moyes and Roy Hodgson, or earning the respect of Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham’s late comeback, plenty of opposition bosses have had their say on the Blades’ fortunes.
Here is a round-up of what Premier League managers have had to say about Sheffield United so far and why Paul Heckingbottom and his players can take heart from their comments, which highlight the fine margins in the division.
Roy Hodgson
Speaking after Crystal Palace’s 1-0 opening day win at Bramall Lane, Hodgson feels United will make life difficult for plenty of teams this season. He said: “What Paul and everyone at Sheffield United will take most heart from is the fact the team played with so much heart.
“They have such a lot of determination and they managed to summon up energy that some teams might not be able to summon up when they’ve had such a long period without the ball. They never stopped chasing long balls forward, we had to be on our guard and on our toes not to make a mistake
“I thought the back four and goalkeeper from my team did extremely well but I think they’ll have joy against other teams if they can continue in that way because they will provoke mistakes and when those mistakes come they will surely capitalise on them.”
Steve Cooper
The Nottingham Forest head coach knows how tough it can be for a newly promoted side having got off to a losing start last season. He believes there’s definitely a transition period early on. Speaking after his side’s late victory at the City Ground, Cooper said: “It’s a tough league and a long season and we felt coming up last season there’s definitely a transition.
“I know Sheffield United have been up in recent years and some players are still in the squad. I’m sure they’ll learn from that. We’re just trying to learn from last season and just improve as much as we can. We have some reference points [slow start] from last season and one was getting a win here.
“We needed to win and it was good that we did. It’s really tough, you have to commit to every single day to try and survive and thrive.
Ange Postecoglou
The Spurs boss reserved special praise for keeper Wes Foderingham following his ‘outstanding’ display, while strike pair Oli McBurnie and Cameron Archer were also highlighted in his post-match analysis.
He said: “You saw how difficult they made it for us. Their keeper was outstanding and I thought they defended their box really well, really brave and courageous and they’re a threat up front. McBurnie and Archer, they can cause teams problems.
“We kind of knew that. For us, it was about maintaining our composure and we thought if we got a goal ahead we’d find more space. Paul’s got a clear idea and they have a few injuries at the moment, too. In all the games they’ve only lost by a single goal.
“They have been competitive and I am sure they will be moving forward.”
David Moyes
The West Ham boss watched his side run out 2-0 winners at the London Stadium with both goals coming in the first half. He feels the gulf in quality between the Championship and Premier League is more evident than ever.
He said: “I think to come up to the Premier League and be ready, unless you really have the financial stuff to compete with the teams it becomes really difficult. A lot of the teams can’t do that and understand why. I have to say I thought Sheffield United and their manager did a good job. The team played very well and the team did a lot of good things today.
“A lot of credit has to go to them and their manager because they’ve had a really difficult week on the back of a bad defeat and having to get their chin up. They put in a good performance and did a lot of good things. But we got the goals, which is what the Premier League is all about, and as a manager what it’s all about.”
Ange Postecoglou
Howe’s Newcastle were ruthless when they visited Bramall Lane last month. Having opened up a three-goal lead in the first half they did not let up in the second 45 and added a further five to run out 8-0 winners. Having been on the end of a heavy defeat himself, he had plenty of sympathy for Heckingbottom and his players.
He said: “I’ve been there on the other side when you have one of those days where things go wrong. I’ve had many of those in my management career and I’m sure I’ll have many more to come. Full respect to him, the job he’s done has been incredible last year and I’m sure they’ll be very strong this year.
“It’s a very difficult game with the highs and lows it brings, the rights of promotion and what a remarkable job he and his players did last season. To get promoted from the Championship is so difficult and deserves a great amount of credit.
“Then you come into the Premier League and the demands that brings, but we knew they’re a good team and are difficult to play against. I feel for them, I’ve been on the end of a few of those and know how painful it can be.”
“We were aware of their record, they’ve been in every game and were so close to beating Tottenham in what was a really good display until the last seconds of the game. That’s how brutal football can be, but I know they’ll bounce back from this and I’m sure they’ll have a strong season.”
Marco Silva
The Fulham boss suffered defeats in both Championship matches when Sheffield United played Fulham under Heckingbottom in 2021-22 but was toasting a win last time out after a fortunate second goal turned the match in their favour with the game locked at 1-1.
He said: “It’s been tough for them of course, I have to say. Paul did an amazing job, not just last season but even the season before. He did a very good job and did well for them. He got the promotion which is always very, very tough.
“They have been struggling in terms of results but we knew it would be tough if we didn’t play against them the right way. We did from the first minute and we were almost perfect apart from one corner when McBurnie got in the header. Overall we did it well.
“They want to react and bounce back and get good results and of course, I wish Paul all the best because he is a very good manager.”
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