Ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder gives verdict on the challenge facing Chris Wilder at Sheffield United
Sheffield United have experienced an underwhelming start to the season following a difficult summer.
Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder David Prutton has described the challenge Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is currently facing as “extremely difficult” amid the current circumstances on and off the pitch at Bramall Lane.
The Blades, who face Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening after losing 1-0 to League Two side Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium. United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies headed the ball into his own net to seal Fleetwood’s passage to the fourth round.
Wilder was critical of his team during his post-match interaction with the media, accusing some of his players of going “off plan”. He also accused some of them of showing signs of “entitlement and arrogance”.
United’s reverse to Fleetwood marked their third defeat in their last four matches, meaning they have won just four of their opening ten matches across all competitions so far this season.
These are currently testing times at Bramall Lane amid the ongoing ownership dispute between 1919 Partners LLC and Prince Abdullah’s United World. Wilder also had to deal with the departures of key players Andre Brooks, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare during the summer transfer window.
“It is an extremely difficult job that Chris has got on his hands,” Prutton told the Essential EFL Podcast. “He’s been asked a lot of questions about it in regards to off-field matters, having to deal with that and making sure to keep the team focused.
“That’s his job but given the type of manager he is he’ll be party to everything going on both on and off the pitch and will be responsible for the PR side of that as well.
“[It’s a] tricky, tricky time for Chris. Maybe he takes a bit of inspiration from what Mark’s (Robins) done with Stoke to get yourself through those tricky time.”
Following their recent defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fleetwood, United will be determined to sign off for the international break on a high when they travel to Stoke this weekend. However, the Potters go into the contest in good form, having picked up ten points from their last four matches.