After gaining one point from their first four Sky Bet League 1 2016/2017 fixtures, in addition to a home exit from the EFL Cup against Crewe, Sheffield United's hopes of this finally being their promotion year were looking bleak.

However, after the Blades' worst start to a season in over 20 years, they seem to have finally hit some form, and are currently on a 6 games unbeaten run, 5 of these coming as victories for Chris Wilder's men.

After 13 arrivals and 20 departures, it was always likely to take time for the team to gel.

Here, FLW contributor Jake Rodgers looks at THREE of the biggest influences that have helped United go from the relegation zone to the top 6.

Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!

 

Ethan Ebanks-Landell

The on-loan Wolves defender has made 4 appearances for Sheffield United since arriving at Bramall Lane, and has instantly become a favourite on the terraces.

After a successful loan spell at Bury, the 6ft 2 man has struggled to break into the starting 11 at Molineux, but seems to fit into Chris Wilder's plans for the Blades very well.

He's played as part of a back three for the majority, and adhere's himself to the fans with his no-nonsense style of defending.

He could be a huge part in United's attempt to become one of the league's dominant forces.

A manager with passion

Many Blades fans last year criticised Nigel Adkins due to his nature of always taking positives from games, and began to test the fans patience with his apparent disregard for the problems United found themselves in, going on to finish in their worst league position for over 30 years.

This year, the fans have took to Chris Wilder's passionate approach, as well as his clear desire to get the club back up the leagues as a boyhood Blade.

It is something United have perhaps been missing since the Warnock days, a manager who genuinely wants United to do well and is prepared to put in blood, sweat and tears into achieving it.

The fans

The fans have continued to flood through the gates at Bramall Lane despite this being their sixth season in League 1.

However, over the last few games, both home and away the supporters seem to have stepped it up a notch, possibly in response to seeing their team putting 100% in for the cause.

United sold out at Scunthorpe last Saturday and have sold out Fleetwood this coming Saturday, and with the fans on their side, United could be one difficult team to stop.