Sheffield United: Chris Wilder jokes about the reception Steve Bruce should get after walking out on Sheffield Wednesday

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League tie, Wilder, a lifelong Sheffield United supporter, also joked he is able to “like” his fellow manager again following his departure from Hillsborough.

Bruce was accused of leaving Wednesday in the lurch when he resigned his position during the close season, with Hillsborough chairman and owner Dejphon Chansiri initially playing hardball over his move to St James’ Park.

Wilder, whose United side are unbeaten in their last seven games, said: “I don’t know what reception Steve will get (from the United fans). I think he might get a standing ovation, especially from the punters behind the dug out where my mates sit.”

Bruce, who began his managerial career with United before moving to Huddersfield Town in 1999, is one of the most experienced coaches in English football and has been a source of advice to Wilder in the past.

Bruce has also enjoyed spells with the likes of Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Sunderland since retiring as a player, having won 12 major trophies with Manchester United.

“I always liked him, it just got put on ‘pause’ for a little while,” Wilder continued, referring to Bruce’s time with United’s arch-rivals. “Now it’s back on ‘play’ again. I can like him again, can’t I.”

Despite their relationship off the pitch, neither Wilder nor Bruce will allow that friendship to dampen their competitive instincts. Wilder is also known to be close to Shaun Dyche, but United beat the 48-year-old’s Burnley team 3-0 when it visited South Yorkshire last month.

“We’re all after the points,” Wilder said. “I don’t want to portray the image that it’s all ‘shake hand and it’s over to you.’ It isn’t.

“Steve, career achievements, is the ultimate winner. Even though I know Steve and count him as a friend in football, on Thursday we both want to win. I’d like to think, in time, people will speak to me and other older managers when I’m one of those.”

Wilder, who has a fully fit squad at his disposal, added: “I’ve talked long and hard about the importance of the LMA (League Managers’ Association) and Steve has been there for myself and a lot of young managers.

“I talked about Sir Alex (Ferguson) a while back and Steve is another one, who will pick the phone up to other managers.

“To work in the Premier League for a long time as he has, that tells you what he’s about. You don’t get given jobs in this division and then stay there if you are bang average. And Steve isn’t bang average, either as a manager or a person.”