'A winner' - Chris Wilder explains why Sheffield United missed Kalvin Phillips vs Fleetwood Town
Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips was left out of Sheffield United’s matchday squad against Fleetwood Town on Wednesday evening.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder claimed his side missed Kalvin Phillips’ presence following their 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.
United exited the competition at the hands of the League Two side after defender Rhys Norrington-Davies headed the ball past his own goalkeeper, Michael Cooper, and into the net 12 minutes into the second half.
United produced an underwhelming performance against the Cod Army, who were rewarded for getting the better of Wilder’s side with a fourth-round clash against Arsenal next month, and their travelling supporters made their feelings known following the final whistle.
Wilder pulled no punches in his post-match assessment, accusing some of his players of going “off plan” and even speaking of a sense of arrogance and entitlement among them. United registered an xG (expected goals) of just 0.73 against the League Two side.
Although the United chief made changes for the trip to Highbury Stadium, his starting XI still featured a number of key players, including Japhet Tanganga, Mark McGuinness, Romelle Donovan, Joe Rothwell, Oliver Arblaster, Tom Cannon and Cooper.
However, it was Phillips whom Wilder felt United missed most.
“Kalvin Phillips, who's an absolute diamond, who's a winner, would have helped us,” Wilder said.
“I have to be careful with his minutes, but you see why he's played at the highest level and what his attitude is like. He would have approached that game [correctly].”
Phillips was left out of the matchday squad that travelled to the Fylde Coast amid Wilder’s need to carefully manage his minutes. He was substituted just after the hour mark against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Bramall Lane last Sunday after making his first start for the Blades since returning to the club on loan from Manchester City during the summer.
United’s trip to Fleetwood marked their tenth game in 39 days since their season opener against Mansfield Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup on August 9, meaning the demanding schedule has taken its toll on members of the squad.
Wilder added: “Sydie (Peck) has done more minutes than anybody else, and he was a red flag. He came on and impacted the game as well. Pat (Bamford) has got an issue.
“Jordan (Ayew), at the moment, is doing what he’s doing, but he pushed himself forward. And Ben (Brereton Díaz) has played too much football. I think I’ve really covered all those, but I’m trying to get those boys on that I can trust.”