Sheffield United are set to go into battle against Manchester United with a 'true warrior' at the heart of their defence

Phil Jagielka has been described as a “warrior” by Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, as he prepares to thrust the former England international into action at Old Trafford tonight.
Phil Jagielka (C) with George Baldock and John Egan of Sheffield United, who is suspended for tonight's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford: Simon Bellis/SportimagePhil Jagielka (C) with George Baldock and John Egan of Sheffield United, who is suspended for tonight's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Phil Jagielka (C) with George Baldock and John Egan of Sheffield United, who is suspended for tonight's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

With fellow centre-half John Egan ruled-out through suspension, Jagielka is set to make only his second Premier League start of the season at Manchester United despite receiving treatment for a knock sustained before last weekend’s visit to Newcastle.

Although he was named among the substitutes for the meeting with Steve Bruce’s side - watching the 3-0 defeat from the bench - Wilder later confirmed Jagielka would only have been able to play “10 minutes or so” because of the complaint.

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But with fellow defender Jack O’Connell yet to feature since football returned to action last week - the Liverpudlian was injured during United’s preparations for ‘Project Restart’ - Wilder revealed Jagielka had volunteered for action as his team enters a critical series of games.

“Jack, like Phil, is a warrior,” he said. “He (O’Connell) has not missed many games in his time here and he puts everything on the line. The same as Jags does. That’s why we brought him here - because we know, not only is he an exceptional footballer, but he’s the right character too.”

After starting his career at Bramall Lane, Jagielka, aged 37, spent 12 seasons with Everton before returning to South Yorkshire following United’s promotion last term. His contract was set to expire this summer but an extension - to cover the remainder of a campaign interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, has already been agreed.

“Jags has extended his contract,” Wilder, whose side are two points behind fifth-placed Manchester United in the table, said. “He’s not played as much football as he would like, because of the performances of John Egan. But he’s turned up every day and cajoled and supported the group.”

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“If he is available, that’s the reason why we brought him in,” Wilder added. “He’s a great example.

Sheffield United are only two points behind Manchester United in the Premier League table: Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesSheffield United are only two points behind Manchester United in the Premier League table: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Sheffield United are only two points behind Manchester United in the Premier League table: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

“Even though I joke about modern day footballers at times, I’ve got a whole group of players who are willing to put their bodies on the line.”

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