Sheffield United boss Chris WIlder is so good he's inspiring other teams now

Last week in being interviewed after watching his side lose to Liverpool, Wilder paid tribute to the Reds’ energy, enthusiasm and work-ethic as the Premier League champions-elect rolled the Blades over at Anfield, pointing out that despite being blessed with incredible talent Jurgen Klopp’s side don’t forget the basics.

That message was picked up by Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate in the run up to his side taking on Tottenham in the FA Cup yesterday and he played the clip to his players in preparation.

It appeared to have the desired effect as Boro held Jose Mourinho’s men to a 1-1 draw at the Riverside.

Woogate said following the match which earned the Championship side a replay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: “I saw Chris Wilder’s interview the other day against Liverpool where he spoke about doing the basics of the game, running, fighting, second balls, winning your headers and winning your tackles.

“They are the fundamentals of the game and that was the biggest thing I was proud of, the team fighting for the shirt.”

Woodgate's ploy was backed-up by the players.

“We watched the Chris Wilder clip in the team meeting and we all said, 'he's bang on',” goalscorer Ashley Fletcher said.

“It's fantastic to see such honesty from a manager. We watched it and it set the tone.”