Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder's key message ahead of Newcastle clash

Sheffield United have been told they must “draw a line under” Wednesday’s controversial match at Villa Park and focus on this weekend’s visit to Newcastle, where Chris Wilder’s squad will attempt to enhance their prospects of qualifying for Europe next season.
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Speaking ahead of the meeting with Steve Bruce’s side, Wilder admitted he was still angered by the technological failure which meant his team were not awarded a goal midway through their first-half stalemate with Aston Villa - the first match to be staged in England since competition was suspended in March because of Covid-19.

But he conceded it would be a mistake to allow that anger to overshadow United’s preparations for their clash with opponents who triumphed 2-0 in South Yorkshire earlier this term.

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“We can’t dwell on it,” he said. “Because we’ve got another huge one coming up. We’ve got to draw a line under what happened and move on.”

“We can’t dwell on it and we won’t,” Wilder added. “Yes, the boys were hugely disappointed by what happened, as we all were. But one thing they’ve shown themselves to be really good at is bouncing back from disappointment.”

Wilder was referring to last season’s fixture against Villa in the West Midlands, where they surrendered a three goal lead during the closing stages of the contest before being held to a draw. United’s response - a seven game unbeaten run - helped propel them towards promotion, with Villa eventually joining them in the top-flight after winning the play-offs.

“All our energy is now on Newcastle,” Wilder said. “All of it.”

An important message:

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Oliver McBurnie and Jack Robinson of Sheffield United appeal for a goal which is later denied as Orjan Nyland of Aston Villa catches the ball during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park on June 17, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Pool via Getty Images)BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Oliver McBurnie and Jack Robinson of Sheffield United appeal for a goal which is later denied as Orjan Nyland of Aston Villa catches the ball during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park on June 17, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Pool via Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Oliver McBurnie and Jack Robinson of Sheffield United appeal for a goal which is later denied as Orjan Nyland of Aston Villa catches the ball during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park on June 17, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Pool via Getty Images)

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