Sheffield United look to make another statement against Manchester City, as their manager inadvertently reveals his true thoughts

He did his best to downplay expectation levels, not only of beating a Manchester City side laden with world class talent but also of avoiding relegation from the Premier League following what has been, despite their recent upturn in fortune, a troubled start to the season.
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But by refusing to divulge too many details about Sheffield United’s injury list ahead of tomorrow’s visit to the Etihad Stadium, Chris Wilder betrayed the fact he believes his team do have a chance of causing an upset. And that the battle for survival is still very much alive.

“Listen, I’m going to straight bat that one,” the United manager responded, when asked if any of the players who missed this week’s game against Manchester United have a chance of featuring against Pep Guardiola’s side. “I’m going to keep my cards close to my chest on that if you don’t mind. All I will say is that everyone who is out wants to get back as quickly as possible.”

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Despite his best efforts to create a smokescreen around his selections and lay a few false trails, Guardiola, whose side prepared for the contest at the summit of the table, is unlikely to have too much difficulty second guessing Wilder’s starting eleven. With around eight members of a squad already thin by top-flight standards thought to be undergoing treatment earlier this week, his room for manoeuvre is limited, although centre-half John Egan is available again after suspension.

Sheffield United's Chris Wilder and Pep Guardiola of Manchester City at Bramall Lane earlier this season: Andrew Yates/SportimageSheffield United's Chris Wilder and Pep Guardiola of Manchester City at Bramall Lane earlier this season: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
Sheffield United's Chris Wilder and Pep Guardiola of Manchester City at Bramall Lane earlier this season: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

But what Guardiola will have noted, indeed he referenced it during his own pre-match media briefing, is United’s recently improved form. After failing to win any of their opening 18 outings this term, United have now triumphed in all but one of the last five, with Wednesday night’s victory over City’s neighbours and nearest challengers Manchester United being described as one of the upsets of the campaign so far.

Wilder, whose side nevertheless remain at the bottom of the rankings, attempted to bring a sense of perspective to the debate about United’s prospects of staying up after that famous victory; reminding they are still 10 points from safety. However, he does believe that both the result and the performance at Old Trafford could prove the catalyst for the type of successful run they require to continue gnawing away the gap between themselves and 17th place. West Bromwich Albion, directly above United in the rankings, make the journey to South Yorkshire next week. Even if his men are beaten by City, Wilder will be hoping to enter that fixture on the back of a combative, competitive display.

“I’m sure this will give us a huge boost, Wilder said, reflecting upon events at Manchester United, where Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke scored either side of Harry Maguire’s equaliser. “We’ve talked all the way through about belief and confidence. In terms of results, really. Not performances. It’s just been individual errors and big moments. This can’t be a one-off, the Manchester United game, if we want to put pressure on the teams above us.”

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“I don’t think it’s just been (bad) luck, where we find ourselves in the table,” he continued. “It’s self inflicted when you don’t take big moments, in and out of possession. I’ve spoken all along about the brutality of this division. The strength of the squad, that’s the luck side. There’s been a lot of fight in the boys though. That’s why they’ve taken some world class players so close in most games.”

Chris Wilder takes his Sheffield United team to Premier League leaders Manchester City this weekend: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder takes his Sheffield United team to Premier League leaders Manchester City this weekend: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder takes his Sheffield United team to Premier League leaders Manchester City this weekend: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Despite their perilous predicament, United have run most of the division’s leading names close this term; losing 2-1 to Liverpool, Arsenal and Leicester City while holding City to a 1-0 scoreline when they travelled to Bramall Lane in October.

Since then, Guardiola’s team have won 16 of their last 21 games. They enter this one searching for an 11th straight win, despite losing Sergio Aguero and Kevin Bruyne to Covid-19 and a hamstring issue respectively.

“They don’t have de Bruyne,” Wilder said. “That makes it easier doesn’t it? That’s an away win. Oh, and Sergio Aguero. Their form has really dipped when they’ve been out hasn’t it.

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“I was watching them play West Brom on the television, when they scored five, and Robbie Fowler who was doing the commentary was asked ‘What will Chris Wilder be thinking?’ He replied ‘He’ll have a plan, he’ll come up with a plan.’ I text him straight away, admitting that I didn’t have a clue.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Chris Wilder at Old Trafford on Wednesday night: Simon Bellis/SportimageOle Gunnar Solskjaer and Chris Wilder at Old Trafford on Wednesday night: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Chris Wilder at Old Trafford on Wednesday night: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“Joking aside, listen, we will have some sort of plan,” he continued. “It’s going to be difficult, because even their goalkeeper (Ederson) is such a good footballer, I’m probably sure he could get into our outfield. But we’ll work on something and then we’ll have to execute it.”

The strategy Wilder and his assistant Alan Knill have devised is expected to revolve around showing the same discipline out of possession and the bravery on the ball United demonstrated against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Given the quick turnaround, Wilder is unlikely to make sweeping system changes, as he looks to outwit a manager he holds in the same high esteem as his personal favourite Jose Mourinho.

“People say the obvious thing, that he’s got an incredibly talented group of players and the ability to sign them, because they’re a top team in Europe,” Wilder said, paying tribute to Guardiola’s record with Barcelona Bayern Munich and now a City side he has led to eight major trophies since taking charge in 2016. “He’s still got to get them to play, the variations they play and the tactical nous he’s got during games.

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“He’s an incredibly talented man and an incredibly talented football man. You see how passionate and enthusiastic he is. They’re all on the same level, these top coaches, apart from little differences in personality.”

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