Tech failure still bugging Blades boss
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder admits he is still irked by the response to the controversial failure of goal-line technology during last season’s goalless draw at Aston Villa.
The Blades return to Villa Park tomorrow evening, three months after a technical fault denied them a perfectly good goal when goalkeeper Orjan Nyland carried Oliver Norwood’s free-kick across the line.
Wilder feels feedback received from the Premier League and a statement from technology operator Hawk-Eye were insufficient and believes bigger clubs would have received better treatment.
Asked if he was satisfied with the explanations given, he replied: “No.
“The Hawk-Eye statement that was made on the night – nothing really from anybody else. We got a bit of contact from the Premier League but no, not at all satisfied.
“I am absolutely 100% certain that if we were a more powerful football club in the Premier League, a bit more of a name, I think there would have been a lot more made of that.”
Villa beat the drop on the final day of the campaign, finishing a single point above relegated Bournemouth and Watford.
However, Wilder is confident there will be no repeat of the mistake.
“I am sure that fault or that decision won’t happen again. I think it was the first time in about 9,000 games, so you will have to wait a long time for that to happen again.”
United are poised to head to the West Midlands with their pursuit of a new striker still ongoing.
Wilder has spoken to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp about the possibility of taking Rhian Brewster on loan, while an approach for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun was reportedly turned down.
“We’re ready to do business,” said Wilder. “We’ve made an enquiry about Brewster. I am not going to mug everybody off by saying there hasn’t been an enquiry.
“I have spoken to the manager, the club has spoken to Liverpool. I have left that situation now for the CEO and I will get my answers off him regarding Rhian and other targets.
“We have to be open-minded about it and that’s what we are being.”