Sheffield United v Fulham - Chris Wilder ready to make tough decisions

Chris Wilder left his Sheffield United squad a little threat – or encouragement depending who you were – before many headed off on international duty a fortnight ago.
George Baldock of Sheffield Utd during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)George Baldock of Sheffield Utd during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)
George Baldock of Sheffield Utd during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)

“I’ve got to make sure I pick the right side against Fulham,” said the Blades manager. “A few players not playing as well as they possibly should be and there are some good players not playing for us.”

Last season – at least before Covid – you could almost pick the Blades team from week to week without much thought, but at the start of this campaign things are still in flux at Bramall Lane.

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“I’ve got the balls to change it around, the personnel and to change the way we play,” said Wilder yesterday, though it would be a surprise if anyone needed telling. “I’ve done that at different clubs and I’ll do that again if it’s necessary but I’ve got to take an overall view of what players have done, what the system’s done, what we’ve done over the last four games and what the balance has been like in and out of possession.”

Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd welcomes new signing Rhian Brewster to Sheffield United unveiled at the Steelphalt Academy, Sheffield. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd welcomes new signing Rhian Brewster to Sheffield United unveiled at the Steelphalt Academy, Sheffield. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd welcomes new signing Rhian Brewster to Sheffield United unveiled at the Steelphalt Academy, Sheffield. (Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage)

That last caveat does not sound like a man about to rip things up and start again – why would he after so much success with an innovative formation? – but changes could nevertheless be afoot. Tomorrow’s game against Fulham does, after all, feature two teams yet to pick up a Premier League point in 2020-21.

The main goal of Wilder’s dealings in the transfer window which closed yesterday having been left slightly ajar on October 5 was to increase competition for places at Bramall Lane.

Of last season’s fixtures, Dean Henderson has returned to Manchester United, Jack O’Connell is not expected to play again this term after knee surgery, John Egan will be missing unless the Blades can convince the authorities a negative coronavirus test means he does not have to isolate for a second week despite coming into contact with a sufferer, John Fleck has been picking up minor injuries lately and Oliver Norwood has been dropped.

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The heat is on for the likes of George Baldock, a Premier League ever-present at right wing-back last season. Wilder signed Jayden Bogle to turn it up, and Baldock is not complaining.

“The manager’s been able to recruit two good players in every position across the board, in some cases more,” he points out. “He knows exactly what he’s doing, training’s ramped up and everyone’s been on their game even away from the place. No one can slack off because you’ve got a superb player behind you ready to take your position.

“When you see a fresh face and quality being brought in it just gives everyone a lift. It’s good for everyone. The staff will probably tell you the exact same thing, training ramps up a few notches.”

There are certainly no hints of animosity from Baldock towards the younger rival brought in to make his life less comfortable.

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“It’s top-end competition,” he says. “You need people keeping you on your toes.

“I really get on with Jayden, he’s a great lad and we speak a lot but whoever’s got the shirt it’s up to the other person to push and try and get the best for the club.

“We’ve got one common goal here, to help progress Sheffield United Football Club. There’s no room for selfishness or egos.”

As well as keeping Baldock on his toes, Wilder has also looked to add more pace and ruthlessness at the other end of the field. Oliver Burke was signed in time to start the season, and Rhian Brewster came on a club record fee from Liverpool just before the international break. The paperwork was not completed in time to make his debut at Arsenal but he withdrew from the England Under-21 squad to spend the fortnight getting up to speed for tomorrow.

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“Can he do 90 (minutes)? Can he do 70? Is it better to bring him in when the game opens up? He wants to start and it looks like he can,” says Wilder and his new forward may be asked to with Burke and David McGoldrick picking up injuries with their countries. Certainly the Blades have been too blunt in front of goal this season, with only McGoldrick’s two strikes to show for five matches in all competitions.

“There’s a stat that we are the fourth or fifth creators of big chances, but we’re obviously not taking them,” says the manager.

Already Brewster seems to have made an impact. “Fabulous, a breath of fresh air,” says Wilder. “He’s given us a spark.”

According to Baldock: “He’s got a great personality. Rhian’s funny, he’s got that cheeky London kind of swag.”

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Nice guys are all well and good, but the Blades need winners too.

“I’m not looking to bring players in that can make us any worse,” adds Wilder.

“I want to make us better and Rhian does.”

He added: “There’s no downside to bringing really good players in.

“Ethan (Ampadu), Jayden, Max (Lowe), Burkey – they have all lifted the sessions and the standards.”

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That will spare Wilder any Churchillian speeches to lift a squad for whom the form table looks pretty bleak.

“There’s no big messages,” he insists. “To play in the Premier League, that’s the motivation. We’ll put a few little things across but the players have lifted me in a way. They’ve shown no sign of feeling sorry for themselves.

“I don’t need to motivate them at the moment.”

Baldock adds: “There’s definitely no need to feel sorry for ourselves. We had a great campaign last year, expectation levels have risen and we’ve definitely fallen a little bit short of that.”

It would appear the resolve is as strong as ever on the training pitch is as strong as ever. Now it must be transferred to where it matters the most.

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James Mitchinson

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