Alan Biggs: Sheffield United should park any problems over lack of signings and get on with survival bid

Motivation comes from within. And in Sheffield United’s case, in more ways than one.
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From the dressing room in particular, that is. A statement that, whoever else might have thought the cause was lost, the management and players refused to accept it.

In fairness, the board’s inertia during the January window - clearly to Chris Wilder’s frustration - could be argued either way.

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Fans have been restrained on the issue, perhaps split, with some believing it sensible not to invest in a long shot gamble.

Billy Sharp celebrates with Oli McBurnie after scoring the winner in Sheffield United's 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane.  (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Billy Sharp celebrates with Oli McBurnie after scoring the winner in Sheffield United's 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane.  (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Billy Sharp celebrates with Oli McBurnie after scoring the winner in Sheffield United's 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane. (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

And doubtless there was no intention from Prince Abdullah and United’s Saudi rulers to send a signal of surrender over a genuinely tough call.

However, it’s not about what they meant; it’s more to do with how it looked. Manager and players were determined to present a different image to the world.

So here they are, still odds on to be relegated but with a genuine fighting chance after Tuesday’s essential victory over closest rivals West Brom.

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Suddenly those with most to lose and most to gain are those who ruled against pursuing the extra quality that the Blades, for all their improvement, still plainly lack.

My suspicion is that the transfer impasse was rooted in that rumour-riddled week of early January when I’m pretty certain that Wilder did come close to the exit; at the very least, a consideration to resign that will have been rejected.

Doubtless there has been tension behind the scenes since then, not least over Wilder’s justified desire to keep driving recruitment.

But I have equally no doubt he will see the season through and it’s time to park what happens next in either event - albeit bound to be a hard-ball exchange - to focus on a great escape.

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The dressing room will be using the absence of signings as fuel to further their defiance. Let’s face it, there’s a build up of momentum, recognised by those of us who remember the Dave “Harry” Bassett Houdini act of 1990-91, of which Wilder, the player, was part.

This group have won five matches in 2021, including two to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Chelsea have no cause to relish visiting the Lane on Sunday.

But United, based on the “nothing to lose” attitude highlighted here a fortnight ago, certainly will relish it. And that can go a long way in a season that remains very much alive.

One thing is certain, no squad in the Premier League is more committed and together. And how often can you say that about the bottom team?