Scunthorpe United v Sheffield United: Three's by no means a crowd for Wright and Blades

Jake Wright of Sheffield Utd. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)

Manager Chris Wilder has opted to play three centre-backs, utilising wing-backs, and the Blades have climbed into the top six of League One.

Wright operates in the middle, with Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Jack O’Connell either side, and it is a system which is working for United.

Wright is yet to feature in a losing side, helping keep United’s first clean sheet of the season against Peterborough United last weekend.

“I am enjoying it playing in the back three, being the middle one,” said the 30-year-old Keighley-born defender.

“I get a lot more time to see what’s happening, talk, and organise.

“It’s a position I have played before and suits me, as well as our players.

“At the back we look really good, and look like we’re going to create chances every time we go forward.

“It’s a new formation and I think every week we are improving on it. We are looking really dangerous.

“I don’t boss the other two about, they are bigger than me. They are both aggressive, good in the air, and it suits how we play.

“They do most of the heading and tackling, I try to mop up if I can. As long as we get the win, I don’t care what formation we play.”

United – on the back of four successive league wins – face arguably their toughest test of the season today when they travel to League One leaders Scunthorpe United.

“They will be looking at us, knowing they have us on a good run, but Scunthorpe are on a great run too,” said Wright.

“They are doing well, top of the league, but it’s early days.

“It’s up to us to go there, start well, and make sure we get a win. If we can’t win, we make sure we do everything we can not to get beat.”

Wright – a summer signing from Oxford United – has had to be patient, but he came into United’s team for the 2-1 home win over Oxford United, and retained his place for wins over Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon and Peterborough.

“It was frustrating not being in the team, so as soon as I got my chance I knew I needed to take it and keep improving,” said Wright.

“I feel I have done that, but I have a lot more to come.

“I need to get sharper, it’s only four games in but I am delighted,” he added.