Sheffield United Chris Wilder reminds he hasn't lost sight of what is important ahead of Manchester City test

United are preparing for this weekend’s visit of Manchester City having lost five and drawn one of their last six outings, but boosted by a combative display against reigning champions Liverpool four days ago.

Speaking ahead of the meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side, who had claimed back to back titles before being deposed by their neighbours earlier this year, Wilder revealed he is convinced United will start climbing the table soon providing they maintain the same high standards on show at Anfield.

However, although coaching staff have told United’s squad not to become obsessed by results, Wilder acknowledged that does not mean they can ignore them either.

“I’ve said to the players that it’s not a losing culture here,” he told The Star. “I told them they haven’t got to where they are by losing games, and that this is a success driven environment we are working in.

“I could take the performance the lads put in there (Liverpool) all day long. You have to remember who we were up against.

“What I really liked the most, though, was that there were players who were prepared to go out there and really stand up to the challenge. They have to go out there and be positive.”

“If you are playing well, which I believe by and large the lads are, then it’ll happen for you,” Wilder added. “The thing we have to keep in mind, though, is that we want it to happen as quickly as possible. We want to start marrying up those performances with points.”

Although United are without a number of their most influential players - Jack O’Connell, Lys Mousset and John Fleck are set to miss out against City due to injury - Wilder is convinced they can begin climbing the rankings soon. After facing City, United then travel to Chelsea before hosting a resurgent West Ham following the international break.

“You always have to be positive, and that’s what the lads are,” Wilder said. “We know we have to start putting the two together now though, which we can.”

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