Chris Wilder tells Sheffield United fans not to expect 3-4-1-2 formation to stay

Chris Wilder was pleased with the way Sheffield United performed in a return to their promotion-winning formation, but warned fans not to expect it to be a regular feature of the Premier League run-in.
PLEASED: Sheffield United manager Chris WilderPLEASED: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder
PLEASED: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

The Blades changed shape to the 3-4-1-2 formation only seen when chasing games since the side came up from the Championship.

It paid dividends with a second-half Billy Sharp penalty putting the Blades into the FA Cup quarter-finals for a second season running as second-tier Bristol City were beaten 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

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“When we went up from the Championship to the Premier League one of the things we did talk about was counter-attacks and it was successful for us,” said Wilder of the switch to a five-man midfield in the top flight. “Of course there will be people calling out for a change of formation and maybe that's a go-to formation for us but we've got to be careful not to get sucked into it because the system works when the boys are at the top of their form.

“An important part of the game is the middle of the park.”

The Blades have now won six games in 2021, three of them in the FA Cup.

“We've had a couple of tight games against Bristol City in the Championship,” said Wilder. “They're game and stubborn but we always felt comfortable in possession. I was happy with the performance and I believe we deserved to get through.

“The key is to make sure we use that momentum going into an incredibly competitive next few games.

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“It wasn't the most spectacular of wins at Bristol Rovers (in round three) but it helped with a bit of belief and confidence and we will hopefully use the win tonight to get some results in a challenging fixture list.”

The game turned on a handball decision awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee. Referee Rob Jones went over to the pitchside monitor – only available in FA Cup ties played on Premier League grounds – and saw Alfie Mawson had tipped David McGoldrick's goalbound shot onto the crossbar. A red card and a penalty disputed by Wilder's opposite number Dean Holden were the outcome.

“I've not seen it back so I'm in the hands of the referee and VAR, I was just more disappointed we hadn't stuck the chance away because it was one of a number we had,” said Wilder.

“There was talk of handball when we went deep into VAR.”

The big frustration of the night was another blank for club record signing Rhian Brewster.

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“He could do with one of those that drops down to him but he gets into good positions and he'll be fine,” said Wilder of the centre-forward, who is still to score for the Blades.

“I know how much he wanted to join us and he's not sulked, he's got on with it against tremendous opposition and he'll learn from this experience.”

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