Eric Dier, David McGoldrick and Arsenal cup clash - SIX talking points from Chris Wilder's press conference ahead of Sheffield United v Norwich City

Chris Wilder met the media this morning to preview Sheffield United's home clash with Norwich City this weekend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Here are SIX talking points that emerged from the press conference at Shirecliffe ahead of the meeting with Daniel Farke's Canaries.

United expect another contract breakthrough in the next 48 hours

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United are in negotiations with Enda Stevens, John Egan and John Lundstram and Wilder expects another one to be “ticked off” imminently. “If we can keep ticking them off, one by one, week by week, then I'll be delighted."

Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd during the weekly press conference at the Steelphalt Academy, Sheffield. Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd during the weekly press conference at the Steelphalt Academy, Sheffield. Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield Utd during the weekly press conference at the Steelphalt Academy, Sheffield. Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Everyone's delighted for David McGoldrick after his first goal of the season

"Chances are at a premium in the Premier League but he's a fantastic footballer and when he gets on a roll, he can finish. You saw the reaction of the players, staff and supporters, which showed how David is appreciated.”

Wilder on the FA Cup draw which pitted his side against Arsenal

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We're happy with the FA Cup draw. It was nice to see that 'two' ball come out straightaway and give us a home tie. There's a lot of quality left in the competition."

On Sander Berge after his first 90 minutes in United colours

"You can’t accommodate everyone in the team but that’s why we’ve constructed a squad and looked at younger players. There’ll be an initial judgement [on Berge] but it’s a long term singing and he's had some tough games to start with. He wouldn’t be used to intensity of games and how we train, but he's got undoubted class and we've been delighted with him. He'll be a really good player for us."

Wilder on Eric Dier after the Spurs man jumped into the crowd to remonstrate with a fan last night

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's an emotional game when family is involved and I think Eric's manager nailed it with what he said afterwards. What he did wasn't great but it was a natural instinct from a passionate guy. It was a difficult night for him and his team and it was a natural reaction. Was it the right one? Possibly not. But I think Jose summed it up perfectly from that point of view.”

Why Norwich will be a difficult test for United despite their league position

Chris Wilder: "Norwich have been consistent in performances all season, it is a fine line. They're a dangerous and talented side, we know a lot about them and they'll know a lot about us too."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.