John Fleck has rediscovered his eye for goal in Sheffield's United tactical tweak, says Chris Wilder

Fleck's uncle, Robert, was a Scotland striker and his nephew came through in that position for one of Robert's former clubs, Rangers. A highly-rated youngster, he was even dubbed “Scotland's Wayne Rooney” at one point.

When Rangers hit financial trouble in 2012, Fleck moved to Coventry City, where he was converted into a deep-lying midfielder. It was a job he continued at Sheffield United but this season's switch from 3-4-1-2 to 3-5-2 has allowed him to showcase his eye for goal.

Fleck has five goals to his name in 2019-20, level with Lys Mousset as his club's top-scorer. He scored eight in his first three seasons at Bramall Lane combined.

“John was a boy wonder up the road at Rangers, where he played centre-forward,” commented Wilder. “He came down to England and played for Coventry.

“We'd seen enough about him and knew enough about him to know there was undoubted talent there and we resurrected it in him but always it's (down to) the player. We offer but the player has to want to do it and take that lead. He certainly has.

“He's a player that's really raised his game through the divisions. He's had an outstanding season.

“His position's changed a little bit, he played in a (midfield) two last year, he's playing in a three now so he's licenced to get forward a little bit more and arrive late and get in the box. As he started his career as a centre-forward that's a natural talent he's got.”

The tactical tweak has also brought the best out of John Lundstram, a fringe player last season but outstanding this, scoring four goals from the other side of anchorman Oliver Norwood. Only Liverpool have a better defensive record than the Blades this season.

“We felt we needed to put an extra man in midfield because the counter attack in the Premier League is huge,” said Wilder.

"Another man in there was vital for us and thankfully that has helped us. It has given us a bit of stability in the middle of the park and helped us get positive results.

“We've tried to win games of football, even though our goals for record is not brilliant. We'd like to have a little bit more possession in games but it gives you an opportunity to dictate the game more but we've been effective, or tried to be as much as possible, against the quality opposition we're undoubtedly up against."

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