Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder confronts goal claims

After Enda Stevens had given United the lead - the Republic of Ireland international was later withdrawn with a calf injury - Neal Maupay headed home from close range following an Aaron Mooy set-piece.

United’s rearguard has been exceptional this term, conceding only 24 goals in the Premier League prior to this game.

Although Wilder felt they “could have dealt with the second ball a little better” as it was recycled back across the six yard box, he said: “If you have Aaron Mooy, who is a technically brilliant player, putting the ball into an area where you have (Lewis) Dunk or (Shane) Duffy, then there’s not a lot you can do.”

Wilder tried to sign Maupay during the close season as he prepared his squad for top-flight competition following their promotion from the Championship.

Despite admitting the final outcome was “tinged” with “slight disappointment” from United’s perspective, it ensured they remained in thick of the race for Champions League qualification and saw them reach the 40 point total Wilder set at the start of the campaign with 11 matches remaining.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Maupay, who obviously we tried to get, and he’ll be pleased with his goal,” Wilder said.