Chris Wilder makes a pledge about his Sheffield United team after Leicester City setback

Chris Wilder says his Sheffield United team are "together and giving me everything" despite their poor run of form continuing on Sunday with a 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester City.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is interviewed at the end of the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield: Nick Potts/PA WireSheffield United manager Chris Wilder is interviewed at the end of the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield: Nick Potts/PA Wire
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is interviewed at the end of the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield: Nick Potts/PA Wire

United have now lost 10 of their 11 league games this season, and are already six points adrift of fourth-bottom Fulham.

They looked set to claim a crucial point in the battle for survival on Sunday, before Jamie Vardy scored a 90th-minute winner for the Foxes to break Blades hearts.

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But Wilder says that the character and commitment of his side should not be in question.

"The group are together and are giving me everything," the United boss said.

"We just need to do better. We need to show more quality in big periods and take big moments.

"We've had so many big moments this season, to determine the result of a game. From game one against Wolves to today.

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"A big moment can be sorting your feet out at a throw in or making the right decision, as much as Oli Mac hitting the bar against West Ham.

"If you don't take the big moments, you'll get punished."

Wilder was visibly deflated as Vardy raced away to give Leicester all three points.

"It's a tough time but that's how it is," said the boyhood United fan.

"We have to get through it.

"I'm not going to dress it up, I'll come through and try and get the players going.

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"They've got to get themselves going as well, not just me and the coaching staff, and they have to lift me as well.

"If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. But it isn't at times like this."

Next up for United is a trip to the south coast to face Southampton at St Mary's on Sunday.

The game will be the first United match played in front of fans since football was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak last March.

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With Southampton a tier two city, a maximum of 2,000 home fans will be allowed to watch Sunday's game from the stands. But with Sheffield currently in tier three, Blades games at Bramall Lane must continue behind closed doors for now.

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