Sheffield United receive a warning as pre-season draws to a close

Although working on his team’s positioning and shape is Chris Wilder’s main objective ahead of their friendly against Preston North End, the Sheffield United manager has revealed he will still take a dim view of any player he suspects of not prioritising a win at Bramall Lane.
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Speaking ahead of United’s final pre-season fixture ahead of September 14th’s meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers - his squad’s first match of the new Premier League campaign - Wilder explained why it is vital the team he deploys enters the game with a different set of targets to those tasked with preparing them for the return to competitive action.

“It’s all about getting into good habits,” he told The Star. “Whoever is in front of you, go out there and try and beat them - that should be the attitude every player has at all times. It doesn’t matter what the situation or circumstances, you should want to come out on top. It’s important to be in the right frame of mind at all times, because you can’t just turn it on and off. I don’t think you can anyway.”

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“For us,” Wilder added, referring to his coaching staff, “We also want to be looking at other things.

“There’s the physical aspect. But also the technique and the tactics, getting the patterns right and seeing an improvement from the last time out. That doesn’t mean, though, that we’re not bothered about the result. Because every time we go out there, we are representing Sheffield United and that means something.”

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