Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder talks goalkeepers ahead of Man Utd clash

Ramsdale enters tomorrow’s Premier League fixture at Manchester United having conceded 36 times in his first 21 appearances since returning to South Yorkshire from AFC Bournemouth.

Although that record has prompted criticism of United’s decision to invest £18m in the England under-21 international when Dean Henderson’s loan at Bramall Lane expired, Wilder reminded that Ramsdale’s predecessor enjoyed much greater protection from a defence which has been ravaged by injury in recent months.

“I still have a huge amount of faith in Aaron,” the United manager said. “There’s always comparisons and quick ones are always made in this day and age. That’s just part and parcel of the game we are in now.

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“If you sit down with Aaron, I’m sure he will say he could have done a few things better and yes, there are some things he could have done better. But there’s also been a lot going on in front of him that’s affected him too. That’s hardly helped him either.”

United prepared for the meeting with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side at the bottom of the table and 12 points adrift of safety after taking only five from their opening 19 games this term.

The issues Wilder was referring to include an unsettled rearguard and the type of lapses in concentration which allowed Panutche Camara to score a late consolation for Plymouth Argyle during Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

The sight of John Lundstram and Chris Basham both failing to intervene before Ramsdale allowed Camara’s shot to sneak beneath his body lent further weight to Wilder’s argument that, for reasons he admits he struggles to fathom, some critics are guilty of deliberately twisting the facts in order to attack the 22-year-old.

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With Solksjaer’s squad finishing the latest round of top-flight fixtures two points clear of their neighbours Manchester City, Wilder acknowledged that any more carelessness on United’s part will be even more ruthlessly punished.

Centre-half John Egan will miss the visit to Old Trafford through suspension after collecting his fifth caution of the season during this month’s win over Newcastle, while Oli McBurnie and Ben Osborn are also set to miss out.

However, Lys Mousset could return to action after making progress in his battle to overcome an ankle complaint.

“We need to have a perfect game to stand a chance,” Wilder said, revealing that nine senior players are now unavailable for selection.

“That’s how it is but we knew what this division is about when we came into it and that’s the challenge we want to take on.

"We are playing some mighty clubs here. I don’t just mean in England but in Europe too. That’s what we are up against.”

"Ben and Oli, who we hope were close, they won’t make it,” Wilder added.

“There’s a chance they might be back for the weekend but we’ll have to see. The only one of the lads who is out and who might have a chance of coming back is Lys.”

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