Sheffield United v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Tom Cannon 'would not swap' Blades players for anyone's

The Blades had to bring in rather than spend money in the transfer market but even so, Cannon is happy with the outcome.

"We all know what happened in the summer, losing good players (Gustavo Hamer, Andre Brooks and Callum O'Hare were sold), but that’s football," he said. "We just have to get on with it.

“I think we’re in a strong enough position. It’s a top group of players. I don’t think there’s anyone who you could swap into our team from someone else’s team.

“If you go through the different areas – midfield, goalkeeper, defence, attack, we’re very strong. In my opinion, we’re definitely a top, top side in the Championship.

“It’s just about showing that. It’s been hard in games where it can be a bit scrappy and we’re just trying to get through, but I think everyone’s still finding their feet.

“If you compare last season and now, it’s a massive positive. We’ve got (nine) points on the board. We’re not a million miles away from it.

“If you go back to Norwich, they’re a good side, but maybe we could have got more out of the game. The table could look different and we could be a tiny bit higher up.”

The loss of key players demands others step up, and Cannon has done that, with three goals already this season.

Wolves will provide a stern test at the weekend.

“They’re a top side," commented Cannon. "They’ve got Premier League-proven players. They’ve got a squad full of quality.

“But so do we. We’ll focus on them because they’re a good side, but as long as we know how we’re going to set up and play, I think we’re a threat to anyone. I think we can beat anyone in the league.”

There is a definite mood at Bramall Lane to respond to the negativity around the club at the moment as they adjust to life without a parachute payment and wait to see if the holding company which bought the Blades in December 2024 being wound up in the High Court will lead to a points deduction.

“You're never going to always get 100 per cent support, but don't underestimate what that gives to a player when they feel the backing," said Wilder, a fan since boyhood.

“I don't know how these players don't deserve that. We have to set that support off at times, and at times it's the supporters that set it off. As always, it's about our actions and we're not immune to criticism, myself and the players.

“The criticism was there after our last home performance (a defeat to Norwich City) and justifiably so.

"You always want that backing, just the feel of it. For ten years, 90 per cent of the time, we've had that.

“We feel we've deserved that.

"You have to deal with it when it isn't there. So we have to do as well as we possibly can and I believe we will grow this season.

“It might be a step back now and again, but I think we'll grow and improve and be better individually. We'll connect more as a team, be a little bit smoother in everything we do and create more chances.

“I played at football clubs when the shirt's really heavy. When Steve Bruce had Newcastle, it always felt that you were watching a team with an unbelievably heavy shirt. Under Eddie (Howe) there's a change.

"It's just the feeling inside of a ground. It's up to us to try and change that round a little bit.

“There are a few in a lot worse positions. What I've got is what I wanted at the start of the season, or off the back of last season. All those players want to play for the club."