Blades players get final say – Wilder
FOOTBALL: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder insists he would respect the decision of any of his players if they asked not to take the field when football resumes following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ plan is targeting a return for top-flight clubs in June behind closed doors, even though a number of players have expressed unease that they might be exposed to coronavirus as discussions over medical protocols continue.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Blades boss Wilder said: “If any individual player took that decision and came to me and said, ‘It’s not for me,’ I’d respect that.”
However, Wilder said it was important to wait for all the information before making any decisions.
“One of the slightly disappointing things is that people have taken a line on their position in the division,” he said. “I think we’ve got to look at the bigger picture.”
Adamant that this season must continue and not declared null and void or cancelled, the Bramall Lane chief, whose side are aiming to secure a crack at European football in 202021, continued: “I think we finish the season, however long it takes,” continued: “The Premier League has shown enormous enthusiasm.
“My chief exec is (showing enormous enthusiasm), and not just because we’re in the position that we are. I think everybody that is in the know understands the implications if this season was scrapped. From a financial point of view and from a social and moral point of view as well...
“I’ve obviously had experience of working in all levels of football and I do understand the implications if the Premier League didn’t restart - the effect that that would have down the pyramid [of football] as well. We’ve got to look after all aspects of football.”
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has played a key role in United’s strong form to this point, but the 23-year-old’s immediate future would be under question as and when the season resumed, with his loan from Manchester United due to expire on June 30.
The Blades are only two points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side but Wilder said that should not concern the Old Trafford side.
“Personally I think it would be morally correct to leave him playing at Sheffield United for the last 10 games of the season,” Wilder said.
“But we all know that because of the legalities and the situation regarding expiry of loans that (United) might take that decision”
“But...we’re not a threat to Man U so I’m sure that they’ll be quite happy with the players that they’ve got to see them through the season. The Ford Fiesta ain’t going to get past the Ferrari!”