'Fans, and the most honest manager I've ever played for will lead us to Premier League survival' - Sheffield United defender Max Lowe

With social distancing measures introduced because of the Covid-19 pandemic being relaxed in some areas, and St Mary’s being subject to tier two restrictions, two thousand Saints supporters have been permitted entry to tomorrow’s game.

Although United followers are still prohibited from attending their own team’s home matches - South Yorkshire remains in tier three - the fixture will mark the first time Chris Wilder’s squad have enjoyed an audience since March.

Acknowledging they need to start “picking up results” quickly after finding themselves at the foot of the Premier League table, Lowe said: “One hundred per cent, having fans will give us an extra push even though they aren’t our ones. I’d rather they were Blades but hopefully that time will come soon.”

"You always dream of playing at this level, from the first time you want to become a footballer,” Lowe added. “And part of that experience is having fans inside the grounds. It will be good to play in front of them again but the moment I can’t wait for is when our ones are allowed back in.”

After slipping to a 10th defeat in 11 outings when they were beaten by Leicester City last weekend - Jamie Vardy scoring an 90th minute winner for Brendan Rodgers’ side - United travel to Hampshire still without a win this term, with October’s draw against Fulham delivering their only point of the season so far.

Despite insisting results do not reflect the overall quality of the performances his squad have been producing, Wilder criticised United’s game-management during the closing stages of the meeting with City during a brutally frank post-match inquest.

Describing Wilder as the “most honest” manager he has ever worked under since turning professional with Derby County, Lowe, who joined United over the summer, said: “When he talks, you listen, you want to take everything on board. The biggest thing I can take away from him is how honest he is and that makes it easy for me to take in what he says.

“Some players might struggle with that honesty, but the gaffer knows what personalities the players he brings in have got. Football is a ruthless sport and if you can’t take the pressure, then you get found out and won’t progress or do well. I think having that honesty is great and it’s vitally important.

“He’s tried to stay positive with us, because the last three games we’ve had we’ve created some great chances. But he also tells us what we are doing wrong, and you need that as well. You’ve got to have both in my book.

"We just haven’t taken them (the chances). If we do that, if we start doing that, then we’ll be okay. He loves the club as much as anyone I know. So we want to do well for him, as well as ourselves.”

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