Chris Wilder has backed Everton to "come roaring back" next season under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian took charge of Everton in December and steadied the ship after a difficult first half of the season under Marco Silva.
But the Toffees' indifferent form since the Premier League restart has ended their hopes of qualifying for Europe.
And Wilder, whose Blades side are trying to qualify for Europe after an excellent first season back in the Premier League, believes Everton will be a force to be reckoned with next term.
Speaking on Everton's form, Wilder said: “A lot of things that can happen for that – injuries, managers trying different things and people should realise the position they were in when he took over.
“They were involved in a relegation scrap so to get in the position as early as they have done is testament to the affect he’s had on his players.
“They will come roaring back as a football club and will be a really strong outfit going into next season.
“What he has achieved as a player – that famous goal that he scored – and his career, a proper footballer and top class manager achieving everything in the game, shows you how powerful the Premier League is that he is managing in this division.”
