Chris Wilder’s blunt Sheffield United verdict reinforces where major rebuild must focus after player's future decision
Sheffield United scored enough goals to compete for the play-offs last season - but Chris Wilder’s honest assessment of his side’s defensive failings offers the clearest indication yet as to where his rebuild will be focused this summer
Chris Wilder’s honest appraisal of Sheffield United’s biggest area for improvement next season may also offer the clearest indication yet as to why certain members of his squad are facing uncertain futures this summer. The Blades fell well short of the play-offs in 2025/26.
But their 66 goals scored actually compared pretty favourably with many of the teams above them in the table. Derby County and Wrexham, who were both in play-off contention on the final day of the campaign, only scored one and three more respectively.
Even Hull City, who will this weekend take on Middlesbrough for a place in the Premier League, snuck into sixth having scored just four more times than the Blades across 46 games. The issue for United came at the other end.
Only Hull above them conceded as many as the Blades’ 66 goals in the against column and only two of the bottom nine clubs let in more - United’s crisis-hit rivals Wednesday and fellow relegated side Leicester City (68).
Too often United’s back-line gave their forward players too much to do for the Blades to win, or see out, games and based on that, it perhaps makes more sense that Wilder is so keen to reprofile his backline this summer.
Ben Mee and Leo Hjelde have already departed while Mark McGuinness, as we revealed this morning, is facing an uncertain future after failing to convince since arriving from Luton Town last summer.
Even skipper Japhet Tanganga had his moments of struggle, although he is expected to get the chance to go again next term as the Blades look to right the wrongs of a frustratingly underwhelming campaign.
“I think there’s one area that we all understand is not where it should be, or where I need it to be,” said Wilder. And that will be addressed. We totally understand where we need to improve.
“We need to improve as a defensive unit, individually, more competition, and more clean sheets. Not giving up the chances that we are giving up and dealing with those moments that we’ve certainly not dealt with enough, and as well as we should do.”
The return of No.1 goalkeeper Michael Cooper should help, while full-backs Femi Seriki and Harrison Burrows have been earmarked as big players if they can build on the promise they have shown in the last couple of seasons.
“Femi realising his potential would be big... Michael Cooper the same,” Wilder said. “Michael has had an average season compared to what he produced last year. Harrison has had an average season compared to what he produced last year.
“So if they can push on, it all benefits the football club. If they are playing well, then the team's playing well and the value of the player goes up. That looks after the financial side of things for our football club.
“And on the pitch, we will be picking up points if those players are playing to the top of their game. And I am sure that I and the coaches, and the players themselves, them will get there off the back of a fresh start and a new season.”