Sheffield United: Ex-Premier League manager raves about the 'astounding' element of Chris Wilder's tactics

Writing in his regular column for The Sack Race, former Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway gave a glowing review of the big impression United boss Chris Wilder has made on the Premier League so far.

He claimed: "Pound-for-pound Chris Wilder has been the best manager out there over the last few years. What he’s doing is different, they're his own ideas. He’s self taught and got a way of playing that the lads love. He’s so innovative, it’s unbelievable.

“Most managers are an adaptation of somebody, for example Pep Guardiola was heavily influenced by Johan Cruyff. But if you look at Wilder no one else is doing what he’s doing - I want to ask him who he’s been influenced by."

Holloway, who was last in charge of Queens Park Rangers back in 2018, went on to name the tactical element of Wilder's set-up that has impressed him the most, and said: "Wilder has taken his own initiative on how he thinks the game should be played, and imparted this on his players. Everyone is constantly improving beyond all measure.

“The overlapping centre-backs - something I did myself a long time ago when I had similar players - and the way Wilder’s team can dominate the midfield area against higher-paid players is astounding.

“The players believe in what he’s saying and understand what he wants. It’s extremely difficult to play against, teams are getting outnumbered on the flanks."

United will look to push on with their solid start on Sunday, when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. The challenge could well prove to be one of the Blades' toughest this season, as Nuno Espirito Santo's side have also been in scintillating form after recovering from a wobbly start to the campaign.