After scoring a mere four goals all last season, Ched Evans was more than delighted to score his first goal of this season in the curtain raiser at Cardiff City last weekend. The striker, who signed for up to £3million from Manchester City, is dubbed to be United's most potent threat up front this season by many Unitedites, but he knows that scoring on the first day will give him the much needed confidence for the next 45 league games.
Evans' season was plagued by injury last season, but this term he's even more determined to contribute to a hopefully successful campaign at Sheffield United. The Welshman confesses that he hated coming to play Sheffield United at Bramall Lane when at Norwich, and knows players of other clubs think the same.
Ahead of Saturday's tasty encounter with QPR, Evans is raring to go and prove he was worth every penny of his transfer fee after only netting twice at Bramall Lane all last season.
He is optimistic about United's chances this season, and says he's impressed with the summer recruitments. He said: "It was good to score early doors in the season, but I was more pleased with the result. It was a hard game, and getting a man sent off after 30 minutes against Cardiff is always going to be hard.
"Fitness wise I'm alright, but my ankle's a little bit sore but I have strapping on it. The manager has brought some quality players in, the likes of Leon Britton in midfield who can get on the ball, turn, slip people in - he plays higher up the field. Then you've got Johnny Ertl who can play anywhere.
"I think we're going to get a few more additions in to the squad, so I'm confident with the players we've got we're going to do well this season."
Previewing the Queens Park Rangers game tomorrow (Saturday), Ched expects one player on the opposition's side to get a heavy load of stick, but knows that with the backing of the home crowd the Blades can be triumphant this season.
He said: "It's going to be a spicy game. Paddy's going to get some abuse, and he'll expect it. Paddy moved for his self, but we've got Simmo now who's a quality goalie, so Paddy won't be missed."
Asked about Paddy's weaknesses, Ched jokingly replied: "Yeah, he's a bit short. But seriously, Paddy's a quality goalie and it'll take a good shot to beat him, but we've got the players who can whip in dangerous balls and trouble him.
"You always want to get off with a win at home for the fans. A win would boost our morale and give the fans confidence in us.
"It's always horrible to play Sheffield United. When I was at Norwich it was the game of the season, so the fans are going to play a massive part this time around."
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