Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder isn't any happier, despite backing from owner

United, who remain without a win this term, slipped to their 11th defeat in 12 outings when they were beaten 3-0 by Southampton at St Mary’s - with goals from Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond ensuring the visitors finished the day seven points adrift of safety.

Speaking before the fixture, which saw Oli McBurnie join Bramall Lane’s walking wounded after injuring a shoulder, Prince Abdullah publicly insisted Wilder would retain his backing regardless of which division United find themselves in next term.

Asked if he welcomed the Saudi Arabian’s intervention, Wilder said he “respected” Prince Abdullah’s comments but admitted his sole focus is on attempting to preserve United’s top-flight status.

“I’ve got enough on trying to get through (this run) and trying to get us out of the position and the situation we are in,” Wilder said. “Whatever he wants to say, I respect that. I totally respect his words.

“I just get on with my job, trying to do is as best as I possibly can. I have a shower every day, I wash my face, I look in the mirror and try to come in bright and positive. I try to do my work, always, to the best of my ability.”

“If we get relegated, I’m set to lose big money so the decision to keep Chris is simply because I think he is the best manager to take us out of the current situation,” Prince Abdullah added. “I believe in him. If he wasn’t the manager of the team I would hire him now, and if the worst comes to the worst and we are relegated, I believe he is the manager to take us back quickly.”

United fell behind at St Mary’s when a series of defensive mistakes saw Adams add to what Wilder later described as “the catalogue” of “poor goals” United have conceded since finishing ninth in the table last season. Armstrong doubled Southampton’s lead when his shot deflected off Phil Jagielka and past Aaron Ramsdale, who had earlier made a good block to deny Danny Ings. Redmond increased the hosts’ lead after stepping off the bench during the closing stages.

Explaining the presence of Jagielka and Billy Sharp in United’s starting eleven, Wilder revealed it was designed to try and improve his team’s confidence and self belief through what has been a dispiriting period. Aged 38 and 34 respectively, the two men are among the most experienced members of Wilder’s squad.

“They are leaders, on and off the pitch,” he said. “When you are going through a tough spell, you turn to your leaders and Jags and Billy possess that quality as we know.”