Chris Wilder goes on the attack ahead of Sheffield United's Carabao Cup clash with Burnley, as he launches a passionate defence of his football club

Instead of being asked to pose holding a scarf or replica shirt - “Those corny snaps” as Chris Wilder often describes them - the man behind the lens snapped them on the streets and inside the alleyways surrounding the stadium.

Nothing is left to chance in elite level football. Besides being striking, the images were designed to send a message: These were people ready to sweat blood and embrace the working class values of the club they had just joined. Yes they are talented, United wanted to remind their followers. But they are also prepared to roll up their sleeves and fight.

“I’ve got to say, that was good enough for the greatest British manager of all time, whenever I spoke to him,” Wilder said, referencing Sir Alex Ferguson. “It’s been good enough for the manager of a Liverpool side that has absolutely ripped up the divisions, when I speak to him. So if it’s good enough for those two, Sir Alex and Jurgen Klopp, then I’ve got to say it’s probably definitely good enough for us. So I make no apologies whatsoever for wanting that myself.”

Tomorrow evening, when United visit Burnley in the second round of the Carabao Cup, they will be facing a squad with the same values and beliefs. Sean Dyche, Wilder’s counterpart across the Pennines, also has no shortage of skill at his disposal. But, in order to bridge the financial divide between themselves and the richest teams in the country, Dyche places the same emphasis as United on the importance of operating as a unit. It explains why Burnley finished 10th in the Premier League last season. In the over-achievements stakes they were only surpassed by United. Wilder’s men came ninth, only a year after climbing out of the Championship.

“You always get stuck in a box and pigeon-holded,” he said. “Listen, Dychey, as everyone knows full well, has got lots of players courted by other clubs. I dare say we’ve got a few who are admired as well.”

“We have to work so hard. Possibly harder than anyone in the division to bring people in.”

It is still far too early to draw conclusions about United’s prospects this term. But even though he is planning changes to his starting eleven, which will inevitably affect the players’ rhythm during the course of the second round tie, Wilder will still be demanding a much more focused performance than the one which saw them begin the new season with a defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. Then, despite producing a much more combative second half display, a series of defensive errors gifted both Raul Jiminez and Romain Saiss goals inside the first six minutes.

United never recovered and were also careless in the final third, proving unable to exploit opportunities created by the likes of Enda Stevens and George Baldock by either choosing the wrong pass or failing to execute the right one properly. Had it not been the opening round of the campaign, one suspects Wilder would have been a shade more critical during his post-match inquest, rather than choosing to highlight United’s spirit and determination.

“It’s always feast or famine,” he said, attempting to inject some perspective into the debate about United’s loss to Wolves. “There’s no manual on management, even though plenty of people seem to think there is.

“Everyone had an opinion on us last season, about what would happen.

“Basically, what I saw was a team that capitalised on the chances we gave them and we didn’t capitalise on the ones we created. We don’t want that to happen again, obviously, but it’s one game.”

With Aaron Ramsdale the only new signing thrust into action against Wolves, it was inevitable that many of the weaknesses which became apparent towards the end of last term were still evident on United’s return to competitive action. Given that many of those acquired to address them are likely to be selected at Turf Moor, Wilder and his coaching staff view the fixture not only as a chance to set-up a third round trip to Millwall but also an audition to face Aston Villa on Monday.

Burke, previously of West Bromwich Albion, will be tasked with bringing power and pace to United’s attack and, looking deeper into the campaign, dragging defenders out of position - thus allowing Oli McBurnie, his Scotland team mate, to play his natural game rather than operate purely as a target man. Ampadu, on loan from Chelsea, was recruited to compete at centre-half. But the Wales international is also an accomplished midfielder capable, at his best, of bringing fresh dynamism to an area of the pitch where United have become a little predictable since lockdown. Sander Berge, United’s record signing, could also benefit from Ampadu’s athleticism - given that his strength is anticipating danger, not snuffing it out during an individual duel. Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe, the former Derby County wing-backs, could be handed their full debuts although, unless Jack O’Connell, John Egan and Chris Basham are anchoring United’s rearguard, it will be difficult to truly gauge how well they have grasped United’s 3-5-2 system.

“I believe the majority of sides will make changes,” Wilder said. “Oli will start, Ethan will and Jayden and Max wlil be in too.”

United and Burnley have met on 124 occasions, with their most recent contest ending in a 1-1 draw two months ago. James Tarlowski, a target for West Ham, edged the hosts in front moments before the interval. It was a lead Burnley held until the 80th minute, when John Egan fired home following a short corner routine.

“We want to go well but our target is another season in the Premier League,” Wilder reminded. “That’s the main aim, to establish ourselves at this level.”

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