Sheffield United hold top level transfer talks as Manchester United prepare to visit Bramall Lane

With United entering tomorrow’s meeting with Manchester United at the bottom of the table and still without a win this term, Wilder has warned the club can not afford to wait until the end of January before making the two loan signings he believes are necessary to bolster its bid for survival.

A centre-half, to replace the injured Jack O’Connell, is Wilder’s top priority with a midfielder also featuring on his wish list following John Lundstram’s refusal to agree a new contract.

Confirming United have not received approaches for Lundstram or any of their other players ahead of Manchester United’s visit, Wilder said: “There was a recruitment meeting yesterday. The owners understand where I want to strengthen and from a financial point of view, we have to get it right.

“As you would expect, there’s an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ list, which is always the case. I’ve made my recommendations, the owners know where I’m at, and hopefully we can bring some of those in.

“I’ve left it up to the people who deal with that side of things.”

Despite United’s disappointing start to the campaign - they have lost 11 and drawn one of their 12 outings so far - HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has stated he wants Wilder to remain in charge even if his team is relegated.

Urging his players to show the same fighting spirit they demonstrated during a 3-3 draw in the corresponding fixture last season, when after surrendering a two goal lead United claimed a deserved 90th minute equaliser, Wilder said: “We know what we want to do and we’ve identified the players we believe fulfil that criteria.”

“There’s not been anything for any of our players, no,” Wilder added. “There’s been no approaches for anyone within our group of 25 as it stands now.”

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