Sheffield United v Manchester United - No hiding place for Blades or Chris Wilder

One transpired close to the start of Wilder’s tenure following a painful late defeat at Millwall in August 2016 when a third league debut in a row saw the Blades prop up League One on goal difference.

Another came after his side inexplicably saw a 3-0 lead slip through their grasp in the final 10 minutes of a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw at Aston Villa in February 2019 – when United were pushing for promotion to the top-flight.

The latest arrived on Sunday following a grim day on the south coast which saw Wilder’s side lose 3-0 at Southampton and suffer a sixth successive league defeat and the 11th in 12 matches in a bruising start to the Premier League season.

According to Wilder, it was the toughest blow so far this term – a time when they have taken a significant amount of punishment.

After those aforesaid moments at the New Den and Villa Park, the Blades fronted up and showed a colossal amount of character by virtue of a succession of resounding performances and results.

So they must do so again. Although it is not straightforward when Manchester United – the side boasting the only 100 per cent away record in the top tier – are in town.

But one thing is for sure, Wilder’s side will struggle to get much lower in 2020-21 than they did four days ago at St Mary’s. Sometimes what does not kill you can make you stronger.

Wilder said: “It was the lowest part of our season on Sunday afternoon and we have taken a couple of hits recently, such as in the last minute against Leicester.

“Hopefully, we have bottomed out. That is not being negative, but me being realistic in terms of where we were at, which was quite low on the journey back.

“But the individuals are the only ones who can affect it and together we can (then) affect it. I am the trainer in the corner and am doing my bit to help prepare them. But as I keep saying to them, there is no hiding place.

“We have to admit we have not been good enough and the results have not been. Everyone loves to come at me with statistics, but the biggest statistic is the one in terms of the points total.

“Basically there is no hiding away and it is what it is.

“If they (the players) feel that (Sunday) is as low as it gets, then great. And the big fight has to start somewhere.

“I do not think they have not fought or they have given up. There has been no lack of energy, enthusiasm and commitment, but we have to put it together and produce a big performance.

“We have to produce a load of them in the remaining games to get out of the position we are in.”

The nadir of United’s campaign thus far arrived just hours after Blades owner Prince Abdullah’s public declaration of support to Wilder and insistence that he will remain in charge regardless of where the club finish this season.

The message was one that was duly noted by the Blades manager and lifelong supporter.

But in truth, Wilder’s only concern is the here and now as he strives to rectify his club’s parlous predicament and placing in the table – which is stalking him ‘24/7’ and something he cannot get away from however hard he tries.

Neither would he want to. It is something he is feeling personally given his connections as a fan.

Wilder added: “Obviously, from my point of view, I am not precious or arrogant enough to know that the results so far from us all at this club – and I have to take full responsibility for that – have not been good enough.

“For the owner to come out and say that, I appreciate that. But my full focus is to turn around the results we have got, which have not been good enough and leave us in the position we are in.

“I personally know I have not been doing well as I should have been and the players have not. It is about getting results for this football club, regardless of how tough it is.

“It is an incredibly tough position. We are not an established Premier League club and we are fighting for our lives – all of us – to stay in the division.”

Wilder confirmed that striker Oli McBurnie (shoulder) is ‘touch and go’ for this evening’s encounter and he will give him as much time as possible to prove his fitness,

The Scottish international was outstanding in the Blades’ last home game with Leicester City, which saw him end his goal drought for the club which stretched back to July 11.

McBurnie was also impressive in United’s last home encounter against tonight’s illustrious visitors, which saw him net a dramatic late equaliser in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in November 2019.

Wilder commented: “We will give him (McBurnie) as much time as possible.

“We are hopeful he will take part in an early-morning training session before the game and then we will take it from there.

“He is touch and go and we will give him the maximum time to recover.”

Last six games: Sheffield United LLLLLL; Manchester United WWLWLD.

Referee: M Oliver (Northumberland).

Last time: Sheffield United 3 Manchester United 3, November 24, 2019; Premier League.

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