Cork impressed by Blades start

Jack Cork says he has been impressed by how Sheffield United’s have taken to life in the Premier League ahead of Burnley’s trip to Bramall Lane. The Clarets’ progress has become a bit of a benchmark for newly-promoted teams, steadying themselves in the top flight after coming straight back up following relegation in the 2014-15 season. Since their return, Sean Dyche has guided his team to 16th, seventh and 15th place finishes.
Their 15th place finish last term was perhaps compromised by their participation in the early rounds of the Europa League, a situation that stretched the squad to the limit.
After getting to grips with the newfound fixture pile-up, their issues were ironed out and this time around Burnley sit 13th in the table after 10 games.
That leaves them five spots below Sheffield United, but only a point worse off, as the pair prepare for battle on Saturday.
Chris Wilder has earned rave reviews for the Blades’ sharp start to the campaign, with his innovative take on the 3-5-2 formation garnering plenty of column inches.
Clearly confidence is high in the camp following last term’s promotion but the real test will come now they have entered the nitty-gritty of the Premier League season.
After making it three unbeaten following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at West Ham, Cork believes the foundations they have laid are solid though, mainly due to the squad being so familiar with Wilder’s preferred shape.
The 30-year-old says it is hard not to have been impressed by how United have adapted to the top flight, especially the positive manner in which they have approached their matches. “They look really good,” Cork told the Burnley Express. “The newly promoted teams have got that buzz about being in the Premier League and it’s going to be a tough game. “They’re a good, organised team, they work hard in their shape, they share a lot of similarities with us. They want to win games and do what works best for the team.”