Bury v Sheffield United: Blades must learn to live with pressure of expectation

The Blades have slipped eight points behind top two Tranmere Rovers and Doncaster Rovers after winning just four out of their last 13 League One games, including back-to-back Bramall Lane defeats against bottom-of-the-table Hartlepool United and Yeovil.

The latest setback came on Saturday when 10-man Notts County grabbed a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane.

Play-maker McDonald believes the Blades must quickly sort out their poor home form and handle the pressure that comes with being the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the League One title.

“We should be top of this league, no doubt about that,” said the 24-year-old former Burnley midfield player.

“We have got a strong enough team and coaches but, at this moment in time, we are not playing to our full potential. We should be well up there. We know what we have to do to get back up there.

“No one wants to go through the play-offs again after what happened last year. It’s happened a few times (play-off final defeats) with Sheffield United.

“But we know other teams are going to drop points; we are realistic to know we will drop points, too, as that is football, but we have to stay in close proximity ready to pounce on the top two.

“Everyone’s frustrated. We know we should be up there, and we have dropped so many points at home this season.”

That Bramall Lane dip has seen United win just six of their 14 home games this campaign, so the Blades were probably happy to hit the road with three away games.

Following the draw at Notts County, United were due to come up against former manager Kevin Blackwell at Bury tonight before a trip to Reading in the FA Cup at the weekend.

However, yesterday the game was postponed due to a snow-covered pitch.

McDonald was left to dwell on Blades’ home troubles and he believes visiting teams now sense they can grind out a result at Bramall Lane.

“I don’t think there’s a specific reason for it, not that I know of,” he said. “We are not performing well, but I can’t see the reason behind it.

“Normally, you play well at home and sometimes not as well away but, for some reason with us, it’s the opposite.

“I am sure it will come together soon enough, it just needs to come sooner rather than later or it will be a missed chance again.

“I think for some guys it can be about pressure. We are expected to win at home, as we should be.

“It’s all about handling the pressure, whether it’s from fans or other players. You just need to block it out, play your own game. If we do that, we should be beating any team in this league.

“A lot of teams probably thought they would come to Bramall Lane and not really get much.

“Now, they have maybe seen there is a weakness in the mentality and can sneak a point or win.

“Last season, there were teams coming here and most weeks it was 2-0, 3-0.

“That’s obviously something we have to get back to.

“We will do, it’s just taking a bit longer than we all thought.”

McDonald admits he has had an indifferent season and is yet to score in 30 games, but refuses to worry about his lack of goals.

“It’s been hit and miss this season. There’s been times when it has been all right, and other times when I have been poor – as a team as well.

“There’s not much you can do but just keep working hard. You can’t just stop and think about it, you just need to get on with it.

“I wish there was a reason, it would be easier for me to sort out.

“I have had a few chances but nothing clear-cut. I am sure they will come along, it’s not something I worry about.”

Brentford host Leyton Orient tonight and will move four points clear of fifth-placed Blades if they win.