Ollie Norwood can hold his head up high on Old Trafford return says Chris Wilder

The classy schemer and Blades vice-captain started out his footballing journey on the red side of Manchester, but like countless other players who came through the United academy, he found himself having to make a name for himself away from Old Trafford after failing to establish himself in the first team due to the presence of a host of world-class talents in their squad.

Despite that, Norwood - who joined the Red Devils in 2007 as a trainee but left five years later without making a senior appearance - says his time at Old Trafford gave him the best education he could have as a footballer and it is something that Wilder concurs with.

Speaking ahead of the Blades' first league match at United in over 13 years since April 2007 - and Norwood's maiden competitive appearance at the Theatre of Dreams - Wilder said: "Ollie has been great for us and was rewarded with a new deal recently.

"Man United produce an incredible amount of players going right the way back to Sir Matt Busby going back over 70 years and have produced a huge amount of players from their academy who do not always go on to play for their first team.

"Players have been moved on and sold, so it is no disgrace to not get into their first team and plenty that have moved away. A pal of mine in Robbie Savage started there and had a great career.

"Ollie is the same, he has gone away and developed and we’re delighted with him. He has had a few promotions and is playing very well so far this season in the Premier League.

"You’ve got to be a tough character. You’ve got to be somebody special to play for Manchester United to stay there and achieve.

"With Ollie, he had to go away and the model at Man United is not just producing players for their first team, they underpin that by selling players.

"Ollie's CV will be one he can be very proud of when he retires, playing in Championship and above in the Premier League.

"He’s been great and found a home here. I am delighted he signed his new deal and hopefully there's more to come from him and the players."