Sky pundit says Lys Mousset signing highlights Chris Wilder's impressive man-management skills at Sheffield United

The French striker struggled to establish himself at Bournemouth where he scored just five goals in 71 appearances spanning three years before joining United for £10m last summer.

But, after an initial slow start to his career with the Blades, Mousset has impressed at Bramall Lane and currently tops the scoring charts at the club with five goals.

And Higginbotham, who had a short spell with United in the twilight of his career in 2013, believes the 23-year-old’s form can be attributed to Wilder’s coaching.

"He's been patient with him,” said Higginbotham. “Obviously it didn't work out for him at Bournemouth and he missed the majority of pre-season but (Wilder) waited until he thought that he was going to fit into the team - and that's exactly what he has done.

“I think what Lys Mousset does as a signing gives you an indication of Chris Wilder as a manager. He came from Bournemouth where things didn't go according to plan for him.

“He went to Sheffield United where there was no rush to put him into the team. They wanted him to get up to speed and it just shows you how good Chris Wilder's man-management skills are because he looks a completely different player now.

"He's explosive in terms of when he can get on the shoulder of centre backs.

“You've got David McGoldrick who is a centre forward who is so intelligent and he's happy to drop deep and you've got Mousset who then will look to get beyond (the defence) with the pace he's got. He's going to prove to be a very good signing for Sheffield United.”

Defender-turned-pundit Higginbotham also believes United are well-equipped to maintain their lofty position in the Premier League.

"I don't see any reason why they can't stay where they are, they've been absolutely brilliant,” he said. "At Christmas it's not luck (to be fifth). It's a well run team. It's a wonderful manager who I think in my opinion should be manager of the year.”