Why Ollie Norwood says Sheffield United will not shy away from chance to make history at Bramall Lane

United have never qualified for European competition in their long history, but have a good opportunity to do so after Manchester City's two-year UEFA ban - pending an appeal - opened up fifth place to qualify for the Champions League.

That, in turn, increased the chances of Europa League qualification, while extra spaces in UEFA's second-tier European qualification will also be on offer if City win the Carabao Cup this weekend, and if a club that has already qualified for Europe wins lifts the FA Cup.

United are currently seventh in the table but trail Manchester United in fifth by just a point.

And Norwood admitted: "We definitely look at it as a big opportunity. We've put ourselves in a great position.

"The aim was to stay up but we've given ourselves a chance of making it a great season.

"We've spoken about it and have dreamed of being in there. We're not shying away from the fact that we've put ourselves in this position. But whoever gets there will have earned it."

United have a blank weekend this Saturday, owing to Aston Villa’s place in the cup final against City.

"There's still a long way to go," Norwood added. "But we've earned everyone’s respect now.

"Who knows what can happen? No-one's settling for what we have and the manager wouldn’t let us anyway."