'˜Blades need characters'

Sharp was named United’s new captain shortly after Chris Wilder replaced Nigel Adkins in the Lane hotseat, with the new Blades boss describing him as the “best striker in the division”.

The Sheffield-born striker will lead his boyhood club into a sixth season in League One, following a disastrous 11th-placed finish last term, and said: “It was a frustrating season. The team changed a lot, and we couldn’t seem to get settled.

“I love playing at Bramall Lane, but you have to be a strong character to be able to do that. You have to be disciplined, and have to want the ball.

“At times last season, the fans were on our backs for whatever reason.

“That doesn’t help, but they pay their money and are entitled to say what they want. And not everyone handled that well enough.

“But that’s been and gone now, we’re all looking forward to the new season with a new manager, some new faces.

“And I’m sure the fans will come back and support us in numbers once again.”

Wilder, who released ten players and transfer-listed a further seven shortly after taking charge at his beloved United, made his first moves in the transfer market by signing Chris Hussey and Mark Duffy.