Chris Wilder: It will take something special for Sheffield United to stay up

The bottom-placed Blades kick off with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday evening, with the Bramall Lane club having not won at the red side of Manchester since December 1973.

On Saturday, Wilder’s side then make the journey to the Etihad Stadium to tackle an in-form Manchester City outfit.

It has massively increased the degree of difficulty for the Blades if they are to hatch a ‘Great Escape’ mission, moreso given the fact that up to nine players could be available tomorrow night.

For his part, Wilder accepts the ‘huge challenge’ involved against two ‘super clubs’ and insists that the key thing he is looking for is the approach and attitude of his side in the next two games, while naturally hoping that his side can produce a shock if everything goes for them.

Wilder, who is without the suspended John Egan, said: “The two clubs are hugely successful over the past twenty years at domestic level and us gaining entry to the Premier League, we knew what we were up against.

“Even though the results were not what we wanted (at home), they have not been runaway victories for Manchester City and Manchester United. They will have been delighted to got the results they did. It is up to us to close the gap - an enormous one - on the pitch for both games.

“It is a huge challenge. But we have nothing to lose. We are not expected to get anything and we will give it a go.

“The biggest thing I am looking at is what is their attitude and approach to games like this and have we got an identity regardless of results. There’s also pride and respectability.

"We have to produce something special to get out of the position we are in. Positions, statistics and history are stacked against us. We will have to produce something out of the ordinary and one result could kick-start that.

“You do that and hope it is one of those days and you have a day and night to get the type of results.”

Meanwhile, Wilder has expressed disappointment at Monday’s axing of Chelsea counterpart Frank Lampard.

He added: “I got to know Frank through a couple of really competitive games when at Derby.

“I am really disappointed for Frank. Time is the key issue here.

“Whether it is signings or building teams, it’s all instant and immediate.

“I’ve messaged Frank and I am sure he will go again. Steve Gerrard said it as well, he is a football man and intelligent guy.

“It is disappointing for the Premier League and English managers as well as he will have to take a step back to go forward again.”