Sheffield United boss praises his team for doing this

Seven months ago, as United prepared for their first taste of top-flight competition since 2007, a wave of disparaging comments greeted the 52-year-old and his squad ahead of August’s curtain-raiser against AFC Bournemouth.

But with one high-profile pundit dismissing their tactics as “too basic” and another predicting they would be “relegated by Christmas”, United have instead thrust themselves into European contention, employing a pioneering brand of attacking football.

Although Wilder, whose innovative take on the 3-5-2 system is now the talk of the English game, was clearly irked by much of the narrative which followed their promotion from the Championship, he largely kept his own counsel before enjoying a few thinly disguised digs when it became clear United would survive.

But, speaking ahead of this weekend’s return to PL action, he said: “I couldn’t do anything about opinions at the start of the season. But we’re pleased to get the talk that we are getting now.

“I’d rather have people talk in positive views and words than the other way. I think that goes without saying.”

Before United resume their push for a top six finish - last weekend’s game against Aston Villa was postponed when Dean Smith’s side reached the EFL Cup final - Wilder takes his team to Reading for an FA Cup fifth round tie at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow night.

With that tournament also offering a route into the Europa League, there is a genuine possibility that United could find themselves facing some of the continent’s biggest names next term.

“It quickly changes,” Wilder said. “We have to stay humble. Things can happen.”