Wilder calls for sense of perspective ahead of United test

CHRIS WILDER admits that Sheffield United are ‘on the ropes a little bit’ ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Manchester United – but is calling for perspective from some supporters.

The Blades head to Old Trafford on the back of their heaviest defeat of the season in Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Newcastle.

They have defensive issues tomorrow, with John Egan suspended and Jack O’Connell unlikely to feature, although Wilder has dismissed some talk he is out for the rest of 2019-20.

Under the terms of his loan, Dean Henderson is ineligible to face his parent club, but Wilder is confident a deal will be finalised by today’s deadline for him to stay for the rest of the season.

The Blades chief said: “We are on the ropes a little bit, but we’ve got to show that fighting spirit that got us into this position and into the Premier League, which no doubt we will do.

“People might be thinking we should be beating Newcastle comfortably. I don’t know where that comes from.

“Some supporters will be looking at it thinking these things happen sometimes. That’s always going to be the fight among supporters. Unrealistic ambitions and expectations against a sensible outlook in terms of what we are doing.”

Wilder was typically forthright in his appraisal of his side’s second-half efforts at St James’ Park – stating that he felt his players ‘were feeling sorry for themselves.’

His candour was in keeping with the criticism he has previously levelled at his side on the relatively few occasions when they have failed to hit their own high standards in 2019-20 – and the Blades chief says that they would expect nothing less.

Wilder added: “I got pulled up (by some sections of the media) on what I said earlier this season. I am not bothered if I am honest.

“My approach, the players understand, is an honest approach. There’s no hiding place and it’s a tough business.

“There’s no hiding place for Enda (Stevens) when he made that mistake (at Newcastle). There was no hiding place for Dean.

“They will be fine. They will get on with it. My style is mine and it’s something I will continue to deliver.”