MAGPIES NOT LETTING STAR GO CHEAP

Pride is not enough

SHEFFIELD United manager Chris Wilder will prepare his side for tomorrow’s clash with Newcastle United in the knowledge that they are all-but relegated to the Championship – but with the frustration of “big moments” proving crucial in key games.

The Blades could be relegated at St James’ Park if they fail to win, with Wilder’s men 10 points behind fourthbottom Nottingham Forest. Regardless of the result this weekend, they look condemned to playing Championship football next season.

Bored

The season has not been without its positives, but

Wilder says he’s “bored” of coming away with matches with pride at the performance but nothing to show for their efforts. That was exemplified at Old Trafford on Wednesday night when they twice led Manchester United before losing 4-2.

Wilder (inset) admits there have been times when they have been “exposed” but took some comfort in running Erik ten Hag’s side close, in a message that he is sure bring to St James’ Park this weekend.

“I’m a bit bored about saying that,” he said on the subject of being proud but pointless.

“There’s been times when we’ve been exposed so we have to accept it and take responsibility. It’s bittersweet, coming here in front of 75,000. “I don’t go with the narrative Manchester United are poor – you’ve got world-class players all over the park. “We scored two away from home to take the game deep, they’re positives. The negatives yet again is if we make better decisions from a defensive point of view we come away with more, like we should have done with so many more points than we’ve got in my time here.

“That’s the disappointing thing, the ball goes in the back of our net far too easily. Just as they find the big moments, there’s an art to defending as well.

“It’s both penalty areas and we yet again have been not great in terms of the goals that have gone in.”

Wilder now has one eye on a big summer which could see another squad rebuild at Bramall Lane.