Sheffield United: Blades planning to improve their use of loan market, says boss Wilder

Wilder, who took charge at Bramall Lane last month, told his Premier League counterparts that United is the perfect destination for their best young players because of the club’s size, stature and potential.

We can exploit loans better,” Wilder said. “For the top sides, and I’ve always been of this opinion, this is the perfect place. Tactically and technically, they are already good players. That goes without saying.

“League One is physically demanding. But here, you are going to play in front of 20,000 plus every other week. So, if they can tick that box, their managers know they aren’t going to have a problem going to the next stage.”

Wilder’s immediate priority is ensuring United’s transfer negotiators secure deals for at least two centre-halves, including MK Dons’ Kyle McFadzean, before next month’s visit to Bolton Wanderers. But scouts have also been asked to compile a list of possible loan acquisitions to supplement the 48-year-old’s squad.

Wilder explained why United should be first port of call for top-flight teams looking to park their up-and-coming talent.

“With all respect, they might go elsewhere and play in front of 4,000,” he said. “Then, they go back, and the manager says ‘right, it’s Sunderland away on Saturday and there are going to be 40,000 there.’ That’s a big step up. If they can cope with it here, in front of a demanding and supportive crowd, then they can handle it higher up as well. We are trying to capitalise on that and hopefully we will do.”