'I'm surprised he's not managed an elite club' - Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder reveals his respect for Bournemouth's Eddie Howe ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture

United and the Cherries lock horns at Bramall Lane on Sunday for the first time since the opening day of the season, when Billy Sharp’s late equaliser sealed a point for Wilder’s men.

In an achievement that closely mirrors Wilder’s at United, Howe took the club he used to play for out of League One and into the Premier League.

Howe has also kept the Cherries in the top flight since they got there in 2015, although their position is currently more perilous – sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

But Howe remains a manager, and a person, Wilder has a lot of respect for.

“I'm surprised he’s not managed an elite club... you can only do what you do and win football matches,” he said. “Look at what he’s done with Bournemouth.

“Almost going out the Football League and to be a Premier League club in a short period of time is an incredible achievement. And then to stay in the division.

“They're not one of biggest clubs in the Premier League but they work with young players and create a team.

“So I am surprised. For me, he's an outstanding manager season in, season out, regardless of what’s happened this season.

“They've picked up a couple of great results recently. The pressure was on when they lost to Watford but again they showed what they’re about with two really good home results.

“They've done it season in, season out. They’ll have had periods of losing three, four, five games on the bounce. We talked about that at start of season and it can happen. We have to be mindful of it.

“You have to come out of it and they have, with good performances and results. Which will give them good heart ahead of Sunday.”