Brewster, VAR, respect Marcelo Bielsa and Jack O'Connell's op: Key talking points from Sheffield United's press conference ahead of Arsenal trip

But away from Rhian Brewster and his impending arrival from Liverpool, Wilder and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale were pressed on a number of other topics by the assembled journalists gathered around their laptops.

'Teams don't like facing Sheffield United'

Despite their below-par start to the season, and facing a tough trip to the capital, Ramsdale insisted that this weekend's game is not one that Arsenal will be relishing, either. United took four points off them last season and although Mikel Arteta's side will begin the game as favourites, they will not underestimate the qualities of Wilder's men either.

"It's going to be a battle, we know their qualities, but people still don't like playing Sheffield United," the goalkeeper said. "We're going to go there knowing how we play and hopefully upset Arsenal's start of the season."

Brewster's Millions

United, Wilder revealed, are down the line with a deal for the youngster but when asked if his arrival would give United's squad a boost, if and when it is confirmed, Wilder insisted that it wouldn't be needed.

"They're as disappointed as me and I'm not surprised about that," Wilder said. "But they have to overcome that. They don't need a lift but bringing a better player into the group will improve us."

The deal is understood to be at an advanced stage after a fee was agreed with Liverpool, although it must have been completed before midday today (Friday) for the striker to be eligible to face Arsenal this weekend.

Don't mention the VAR

Barely a press conference goes by nowadays without some kind of mention of a refereeing decision, either in the stadium or from Stockley Park, and it was interesting to hear Ramsdale's admission that he would prefer to go back and play in a pre-VAR world, and also that some of his former Bournemouth teammates prefer life without VAR in the Championship after their relegation last season.

The subject was raised again after a spate of penalties given for handball, after the Premier League came in line with other major European leagues in the summer on their interpretation of what should be penalised and what shouldn't.

"I'm a bit confused," Ramsdale admitted.

"We had a meeting before the season that said if it hits your arm in a natural position it won't be given. I feel quite sorry for Spurs... they've had a few where the player isn't even looking at the ball."

Let's talk about Dom

"With the media scrutiny this division has I understand things will get talked about," said Wilder. "But not to this level and extent."

Instead, he said, why not discuss some of the positives in the game, like Dominic Calvert-Lewin's maiden call up to the senior England squad this week?

The former Blade has been in sparkling form for Everton this season, with five goals in three games so far, and Wilder is understandably proud.

"It's so good to see a Sheffield boy ripping it up," he said.

"It's a shame he's not wearing red and white but everyone understands the situation. These are the things we should be focusing on rather than continually talking about situations that should be happening once every three or four games."

Jack's in good spirits

Jack O'Connell underwent his operation on a knee problem this week, and there were no nasty shocks or surprises for the surgeon. O'Connell remains in good spirits, despite going through a tough time, and Wilder added: "He's a tough cookie. We've been through a tough period but they won't last forever and we will come through it. Things are going against us but we've got to dig in. We've had a positive week and everyone's pushing."

Respect, Marcelo

Whatever your views on Leeds United as a club, it's tough not to like and respect Marcelo Bielsa, their manager who just lives and breathes football. At his own press conference this week he admitted to changing his view on last weekend's game against United, after describing his side's 1-0 win as "a just result" immediately after.

"Chris Wilder thought that what I thought was a fair victory, was in fact not," Bielsa said.

"I then listened to the arguments that he gave and I looked over what happened in the game and I understood, that justifiably, he could have the opinion that he did. Because they had very clear scoring opportunities.

"This makes me think the opinions that we have when the opponent is involved, we need to manage with caution. I would never have said victory was fair had I taken into consideration the arguments of the manager of Sheffield United. The arguments were good."

Those words went down well with Wilder, who responded this morning.

"It's fabulous and a refreshing change that after watching the game back he saw the game in the same light as I did," Wilder said.

"I've got an awful amount of respect for Marcelo and they won a tight game. All the games are going to be tight but we're here to pick up results as well as play well."

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor