Warnock believes the cash crisis has been a blessing

Warnock's claim comes as the Blades prepare to face Wolves in the First Division play-off final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for a place in the Premiership worth an estimated �25m.

United have been a revelation this season, taking third spot in Division One to add to semi-final appearances in the FA and Worthington cup competitions.

But Warnock insists the demise of the broadcast company, which went bust in 2002 with debts to the Football League of over �131m, has underpinned the club's success.

If ITV had not gone bust then we would not be in the position we're in now. Neil Warnock

Many clubs have blamed the cash crisis the collapse sparked in the game for problems on and off the pitch but Warnock believes it merely created a more "level playing field."

"The ITV Digital fiasco has been a big plus for me," said Warnock.

"The big hitters were unable to splash as much money around, so it made it better for me to compete.

"If ITV had not gone bust then we would not be in the position we're in now. I know we could not have done any better.

"Others would have done better, without a shadow of a doubt, so I find it ironic we have been helped by their demise."

That still does not stop Warnock from casting an envious glance in the direction of Wolves boss Dave Jones, who has been aided in his quest for promotion by multi-millionaire chairman Sir Jack Hayward.

"We haven't got a Sir Jack Hayward or anybody like that at this club," said Warnock.