Sheffield United rejected a bid from Sunderland for striker Billy Sharp during the summer transfer window, and a stat revealed via The Sheffield Star proves they were right to do so.

What's the word, then?

Well, League One new boys Sunderland made an attempt to bring the 32-year-old to the Stadium of Light to boost their chances of making an instant return to the Championship following their relegation last term, but it was rejected by Blades boss Chris Wilder.

That was hardly surprising given that Sharp, Leon Clarke and David McGoldrick were his only options up top with Caolan Lavery clearly not wanted, and the former has shown that he still has what it takes to be a real threat at this level with three goals in five league games so far during the 2018/19 campaign.

Furthermore, The Sheffield Star have quoted a stat reaveled by SkyBet that says that United are unbeaten in the last 35 games that their captain has found the net, winning 29 times and drawing the other six.

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Did they make the right decision?

They certainly did, and it will prove to be a season-defining call by Wilder and the club.

Sharp is Sheffield United through and through and while he is still able to make a big impact for them at Championship level, there is no reason for him to look to move elsewhere, or for the club to move him on.

The arrival of Conor Washington has created even more competition for places which can only be a good thing for the club, and if they can replicate performances like the one that saw them beat Aston Villa 4-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday, they will be there or thereabouts come the climax of what is sure to be another gruelling campaign in England’s second tier.

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