Coronavirus, Newcastle United, Lys Mousset and Dean Henderson - the BIG issues from Chris Wilder's Sheffield United press conference

Here’s what the Blades manager had to say on that and the other big issues to arise from the press conference, ahead of United’s trip to Newastle United on Saturday.

Wilder on the Coronavirus and football

Coronavirus: When will a decision be made on football matches played behind closed doors? Will games be postponed?

“We’re concerned as a football club and from a general health position for this city.

“We’ve been kept up to date by the chief executive and our medical staff. It’s hugely disappointing from a sporting point of view that behind closed doors games or whatever might happen.

“We’d accept what the authorities above us and the experts on this virus say. And we’d respect that. As a football man, we want to see packed stadiums. We’re in a great position and going to Newcastle, which is a great environment, that is for players. And we’ve enjoyed it as well.

“If there’s no punters in the stadium, for me that would be a huge blow. I’d prefer them to delay the season if it came to that. Because the game is nothing without supporters.

“We all do it for a reason but the biggest reason is to play in front of supporters, because of the buzz and the excitement they bring to the game. So for me, a delay and an extension to the season would be my preferred option. But if it is behind closed doors, then we have to accept that and prepare; no excuses.

“The backing we get is crucial and vital. I can’t get my head around it (playing without fans) if I’m honest.”

Wilder on Newcastle United

“We looked back at it. It wasn't a good night for us. Full credit to Steve and his team on the night, they got the deserved result.

“We were a little bit disappointing. There were a couple of things that happened during the game that overshadowed it - Steve's team's performance on the night - and that's what the Premier League is all about, it's about finding a way to win and they did and we didn’t.

“It was a different type of challenge we had not had all season, a team playing on the counter attack which I had no issues with at all and they did a job on us and it's up to us to do a job on them on their patch now.”

Wilder on team news and Enda Stevens

Sheffield United star speaks out after signing new contract

“Taking out Enda, obviously that's disappointing from his point of view. He's going to be out or a couple of weeks. So these are things we have to overcome, which we have always said regarding injuries, suspensions, loss of form... have we got the squad to cover and step in.

“Ben Osborn has slotted in well there and it opens it up. I don’t think I can complain regarding injuries, when we have gone to the likes of Newcastle and the injuries Steve has had up there. I said it about Brighton, too. You are only as good as your players and when your best players are unavailable that limits your opportunity of winning games of football.

“Thankfully from our point of view, we have not suffered. This is a disappointing one for Enda and us but we'll get on with it and utilise what we have in the group.”

Wilder on Dean Henderson and the possibility of him being at Bramall Lane next season

Why Chris Wilder is playing politics with Man United and the REAL message behind Dean Henderson comments

“I have left it with Dean and Manchester United. We have expressed our interest in Dean coming back next year. But I don’t want to keep pushing that button.“He needs to focus on a big 10 games coming up and possibly more in the cup and international games too.”

Wilder on Lys Mousset and his recent off-pitch issues

"I was not well in my head" - Sheffield United striker opens up over off-field issues

“It's been OK. We are really open and honest. We think a lot about Lys as a player and a person.

“I just think when that supporter is stood there at half two and three o'clock and having a pop about this and that, there are underlying things that sometimes happens in people's lives. Whether it's been putting a substitute on or whether it's tactical or whether it's being left out of a squad, I'm not going to go to you guys on Thursday and say 'he's having an issue with that; he's having an issue with that; he's having a bit of bother at home with his missus...'

"All these things that happen to players, because players are obviously human beings and people. He's had tough times but he had the support of myself and the staff and the players and I'm sure ost importantly the supporters of Sheffield United.”