Lundstram leaving, injury news and De Bruyne nightmares: Points from the Presser ahead of Sheffield United v Manchester City

The manager spoke passionately about his feelings on John Lundstram's ongoing contract situation, amongst other topics, while Norwegian star Berge was asked about his own performance levels as one of the shining lights of United's season so far.

Here's a run-down of the key points from the presser.

Lundstram looks like leavin'

As The Star exclusively revealed earlier this week, United will look to offload Lundstram in January after reaching an impasse in the midfielder's contract negotiations.

Wilder admitted today that there are three scenarios now ahead of Lundstram's contract expiring in the summer - either he runs his deal down and becomes a free agent, United sell him in January and recoup some cash, or he signs the deal that remains on the table.

The contract would make him one of the highest-paid players in United's history, but there seems little chance of that option being taken.

As Wilder suggested, it's a brave move for the player to back himself to get more elsewhere, especially in the current climate.

In his favour, the lack of a transfer fee means he'll be able to command more salary if a fellow Premier League club comes in for him.

Will they? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Lowe could return

Max Lowe, it turns out, was very close to being available to face Liverpool last weekend but missed out by a day, as United were forced to follow concussion protocol guidance and took no chances with the player.

But Lowe is in full training after his nasty whack to the head against Fulham, and will provide Wilder with another option against the former Premier League champions this weekend.

Enda Stevens could continue at left centre-half, freeing up the wing-back spot for either Lowe or Ben Osborn, who was very good in that position against Liverpool last weekend.

De Bruyne's pass gives Wilder nightmares

He admits he can still see it now. The game against City last season was locked at 0-0, when City sent on Sergio Aguero off the bench and he tapped home the winner.

But the goal was all about the pass, Kevin De Bruyne picking a gap in the Blades defence and giving the Argentine a chance he could not miss.

City won the game 1-0 and it was another example of the quality that exists in this division, and can punish you on any given day.

Much has been made of the fact that Aguero is missing this time around, and that City faced Marseille last night in the Champions League without a recognised striker.

The fact that they won the game 3-0 suggests that that won't be too much of a problem for them.

Super Sander

The Norwegian got on the scoresheet at Anfield, converting from the penalty spot, and will play a big part this weekend if United are to stand a chance of getting anything from City.

The youngster speaks with a maturity well beyond his years, especially considering he is 10 months into life in England and in the middle of a global pandemic, and admitted that he thought he would eventually end up as a defender later in his career.

Instead, he is enjoying the licence to get forward under Wilder, driving at defenders and looking to create rather than just frustrate.

"I never thought I would play further forward," Berge admitted.

"I always played deep and thought I would end up being a defender. It's always been a dream of mine to play higher up the pitch and I'm getting that chance now."

Options

Another performance at Anfield that gives Wilder welcome food for thought was that of Ethan Ampadu, who played at the base of United's midfield and impressed both on and off the ball.

He brings welcome mobility to United's midfield, and can also put his foot in as well as using the ball intelligently.

Berge is certainly a fan, and it's tempting to wonder if Wilder will go with a midfield of Berge/Ampadu/Osborn against City.

“Ethan is a very impressive player. Wherever you put him he will put in a good performance," Berge said of the Welsh international.

"He reads the game well. It was nice to have him beside me, he covers a lot of ground.”

'An important player'

Wilder is hoping to unleash Lys Mousset on the Premier League in early December after describing the injured striker as "an important player" for the Blades.

Mousset has been missing since he damaged his toe in pre-season, in a tackle against Preston.

But his protective boot is now off, and he is back at Shirecliffe stepping up his rehab.

Wilder hopes to have him back in contention around early December, although he concedes that the timescales may change either way.

"We're looking at him to progress in the next three to four weeks," Wilder said.

"For that type of injury it really isn't an exact science.

"He might be earlier than expected but we're possibly looking in and around the start of December for him to hopefully be available.

"These are the important times for Lys and the work we put into him. We'll be ramping that up because he has been an important player for us and will be going forward."