Chris Wilder would only quit Sheffield United 'if it was right for the club'

Blades chairman Prince Abdullah made clear his support for Wilder even if, as is looking likely, the team is relegated from this season's Premier League but in these situations there is always the possibility of the manager talking matters into his own hands and resigning.

Instead he is focusing on a crucial period, insisting his team must get their first win of the season before Christmas.

“I'd only do that if I thought it was the right thing for Sheffield United Football Club,” said the boyhood fan-turned player-turned manager when asked if he could resign. “The club means far too much to me for it to be about me.

“It's abut what happens for the football club.

“I'm working away. As seen in (Thursday) night's performance there's still plenty of heart and spirit in this group but the quality of the opposition, this is who you're up against. You make the slightest mistake on the pitch and you get punished, and if you don't take those opportunities it comes to hurt you.”

The Blades are at out-of-form Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday looking to add to their solitary point this season.

“I think we must win a game before Christmas,” said Wilder, presumably referring to the Festive period as a whole, rather than the day itself, which comes up after the trip to the south coast. “We have to just take every game in isolation and we go to win every game.

“There were a lot of positives from the game (against Manchester United on Thursday, which they lost 3-2), more of a Sheffield United performance, more what I was looking for.

“One point out of 13 games is not a great return and of course the gap (to Premier League safety) can't grown so we're looking to take a healthy points total over this Christmas period to give ourselves an opportunity of staying in this division.”

Sander Berge injured his hamstring on Thursday, when Oli McBurnie was missing with a shoulder injury.

“I think both players will be doubtful on assessment this (Friday) but Oli's got more of a chance than Sander,” said Wilder. “Hamstring injuries don't really clear up in two or three days.

“Oli McBurnie, we'll give him the best opportunity of being available.”

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