Lys Mousset, selling to strengthen and four million reasons to win at Southampton: SIX talking points from Sheffield United's 1-0 defeat to Everton

What a season.

To take their quest for European qualification to the 37th game of the Premier League season is nothing short of remarkable from Wilder and his players. This is a team that was widely tipped to finish bottom of the table, and were almost laughed at by some sections of the media before a ball was kicked. They may have ultimately fallen short, but to view the season as a whole as a disappointment does these players and staff a disservice. The way they have attacked the division has been wonderful to watch and Unitedites should, in my humble opinion, be incredibly proud of the class of 2020.

Setting the standards

That doesn't mean, by any stretch, that no-one should feel disappointed at the same time. Wilder, his staff and his players set remarkably high standards for themselves, which will naturally translate to a fanbase that has grown quite used to success since the manager walked through the door. So, for me, there is a balance to be struck, and it is possible to be disappointed that United haven't qualified for Europe while still acknowledging that they have performed out of their collective skin to even be anywhere near doing so. The Blades earned the right to be in the reckoning - and now the challenge is to 'go again'.

Moose on the loose

Wilder's post-match comments, when asked about the absence of Lys Mousset from the teamsheet to face Everton, don't exactly sound promising for the French striker. "I don't want to comment about that situation at the minute, if I'm honest," Wilder said when asked about Mousset after the game, amid rumours of a falling-out between manager and striker. The Frenchman has certainly had an up-and-down first season at Bramall Lane, scoring some crucial and eye-catching goals at times and flattering to deceive on occasions. He hasn't been helped by some personal issues, including bereavements back in France, but it's also fair to say that United could perhaps have got more out of him at times. Whether he ever pulls on the red and white shirt again now remains to be seen.

How to improve?

One of the many reasons that United's fanbase connects so well with Wilder is because, whatever the result of performance levels, he is honest and does not try to kid them over what they have just watched with their own eyes. After this game, the manager admitted he is already looking to strengthen his squad all over the pitch and hinted that a couple of players may be moved on, if they don't soon agree a new contract with the club. John Lundstram is one high-profile member of United's squad that is out of contract next summer, and his representatives were invited to the negotiating table earlier this season after his impressive start to life in the Premier League. But if he can be sold for a few bob before he leaves on a free, and that money is then used to further strengthen United, then that may be an avenue that Wilder is forced to take as he looks to ensure that United mount another challenge next season.

What a shame

Take away the whole narrative about Europe and positions in the table and everything else - it is a crying shame that, after the final whistle blew on United's last home game of a remarkable season, they walked off the pitch with the sound of an empty Bramall Lane ringing in their ears. Instead, regardless of whether they qualified for Europe or not, these players deserved to enjoy a lap of a packed stadium to get the recognition their efforts deserve, from supporters who have been spoiled by the quality of football over the last four years or so. Hopefully, through the power of social media or whatever other means, Wilder's charges are made aware of how the majority of Blades fans have viewed their efforts this season, and are thankful for them too.

Nothing to play for?

Forget it. There is no such thing as a dead rubber for Wilder when he is wearing the United badge on his chest but even beyond that, United will receive an extra £1.9m for every place higher they finish in the Premier League this season. So victory at Southampton on Sunday will seal eighth place; but defeat opens up the possibility of Burnley or Arsenal, or both, overtaking the Blades. The difference is two places in the table, and £4million – not an insignificant amount, especially considering the financial constraints that the Covid-19 crisis has placed on United’s coffers.

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