OUR SURVEY SAYS...
...Bayern, Real, PSG & Co might have to wait a bit
CHRIS WILDER was asked to complete a Premier League fan questionnaire as he sneaked into Bramall Lane unrecognised yesterday.
The United boss jogged 30 minutes to work, as he often does, wrapped up in a wooly hat and looking like any old punter.
Wilder said: “I ran to clear my head at a slow pace, and was asked if I’d like to take part in a survey.
“I had a peak at the lad. He didn’t recognise me.
“I had me top up and bobble hat on. He thought
I was a fan! It was quite funny, asking the manager of Sheffield United, Premier League, if I’d take part in a Premier League survey about my experiences in the Premier League!”
It’s the sort of incident that makes Sheffield United special.
A dose of down to earth, unpretentious reality in a top flight crammed with hype. Where else could that happen to one of the managers of the year?
This draw took United to the traditional safety mark of 40 points.
Ambitions have been recalibrated since the start of the season.
Europe? Champions League? Possible, but this was a workmanlike display that lacked creative spark against resilient opponents.
United are riding a wave of optimism, but the powerhouse football that has shot them to the brink of European football was cancelled out by solid Brighton in a hard-fought clash.
After a week digesting the prospect of challenging for a Champions League ticket, United took a 27thminute lead but couldn’t cash in, and Neal Maupay levelled immediately.
Had Wilder taken the questionnaire after the match he’d be forgiven for showing some mild dissatisfaction, but instead he was upbeat. Wilder
said: “Just a very slight tinge of disappointment. The players could not have given any more. The drive was brilliant out there.
“Brighton changed their approach. They went longer, and bigger, and we gave cheap fouls away. The have 6ft 4in lads in there.
“I enjoyed the game. People say Brighton are soft but there was nothing soft from them. It was full-blooded, they got blocks in.
“And neither are we a stereotypical out-of-the
Championship smacking balls up front side. Anyone who says that sort of thing should not be commenting on the game.” United went ahead when Oliver Norwood swung in a cross after working a short corner routine. Dan Burn got in a defensive header, flicking the ball out wide. Enda Stevens (above) reacted first to gather and volley a superb shot into the top corner. Wilder added: “It was a decent goal.
“If he had a different shirt on, and played for a more glamorous club, people would rave about it all weekend.”
The Blades’ lead didn’t last long after a rare sloppy episode of defending at a set-piece.
Aaron Mooy swung in a deep free-kick which Adam Webster nodded back across goal.
Neal Maupay sneaked in to touch past Dean Henderson in the home goal, and will be relieved not to extend a nine-game run without a goal. Brighton boss Graham Potter said: “Maupay? It was a sharp goal.
“Reward for his overall performance and sacrifice for his team. The reality is he has done his best for the team and in the end his quality showed. He got a personal reward from a selfless performance.”
Henderson was looking to impress England boss Gareth Southgate, who was watching in the
Bramall Lane directors’ box, but could have done better to snuff out the danger.
It wasn’t easy on the eye, but Wilder was happy to stay unbeaten in three, and in touch with the top-five.
Wilder added: “I’d have stayed behind to clap at the end.
“I thought it was an excellent performance. We tried to win.
“I have told the players I am delighted with what I have seen. People may think I have been on the beer saying that.”
Potter said: “It’s a good point at a hostile ground and a team with good clarity and identity. We are fighting for everything.”