Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United boss, has revealed why he went straight down the tunnel after Wednesday’s shock Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town rather than face the frustrated travelling supporters.

Chris Wilder has explained why he went straight down the tunnel after Sheffield United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town, admitting he felt there was “no gain” in confronting frustrated supporters on Wednesday night.

Some Blades supporters noticed that the Blades boss did not go across to acknowledge the sold-out away following at Highbury, after United were dumped out of the competition by a bizarre Rhys Norrington-Davies own goal.

The reaction from the travelling support was understandably one of frustration after a performance Wilder admitted was not good enough, with United’s hopes of reaching the last eight disappearing against League Two opposition.

But Wilder insists his decision to head straight inside was not about avoiding criticism or attempting to distance himself from the supporters. “I've done that a few times,” Wilder said. “I think sometimes I felt no need for confrontation.

“There’s times where we win I go down the tunnel. There’s times where we win I go over to fans and show my support. There’s times where we lose and I do.

“I just felt that the feeling was a very frustrated feeling by everybody on Wednesday night. I just didn’t think there was any gain on it. Do I go over and stand in front of the supporters?

“I understand I will get it. I'm quite a confrontational person as well, and reactive, so maybe sometimes taking myself out of the situation. Maybe I just go down the tunnel after a win and after a loss or put myself in that situation.”

“I don't think I need to justify my relationship with the supporters as well,” Wilder added. “Because of what I think of them. Over 10 years, I think there have been enough games there where I've put myself on offer and accepted criticism and accepted a performance that hasn't been good enough.”

Fleetwood went on to draw Arsenal in the last eight of the League Cup while United head to Stoke tomorrow looking for a reaction. “Some players took a backward step and gave me clarity as well, as to who I can really trust to take us forward,” Wilder said.

“Should we be putting Fleetwood to bed? One hundred per cent. Have we let the supporters down? Absolutely. And I'm really sorry regarding that.

“Because we filled out, we took a lot over there and ultimately it wasn't good enough. And every criticism that I receive or whatever, we'll take and we have to accept.”