'Sheffield United showed they have the attitude and did what they did last season' - what former Man United man and other pundits said about FA Cup win

After 18 games without win in all competitions, the Blades are finally off the mark after a thrilling 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup third round at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

A Joe Day own goal and efforts from Oli Burke, his first for the club since his summer move from West Bromwich Albion, and Jayden Bogle finally helped Chris Wilder’s side get that monkey off their back.

Speaking after the victory in the West Country, Wilder said: “We needed a win obviously, because of the form and the results that we've produced so far.

"We needed it for the players and for the football club. We went as strong as we could with the selection. It's not a huge game for a lot of people outside our club but it’s a big win for us because of the run we've been on.

"We had to get a result for the players and for the supporters. The players' confidence and belief has been dented and the results haven't been great for the supporters, either. We've got through a very tricky tie, a lot of people would have expected a home win."

But what did the pundits make of his side’s first win of the campaign?

Let’s take a look.

Alex Scott, former Arsenal and England defender and Match of the Day pundit

“It was really good to actually see them getting on the ball, being brave and attacking because that’s what they’ve really lacked in the Premier League this season.

"I was really impressed with (Ben) Osborn, he exploited spaces down the flanks and got balls into the box.

"This is what we were used to seeing from Sheffield United, getting balls into the box and getting on the end of things.

"Once again, they knew that they had the space (on Saturday). When you know you can exploit a team, keep putting the ball there.

"McGoldrick, as well as, I have to say he had a fantastic game – playing balls in and making runs into channels.

"But these are things we haven’t seen from Sheffield United (this season), getting on the ball, creating chances and actually getting bodies in the box.

"I’m hoping this game now carries momentum into the Premier League. Yes, you’ve got to celebrate the positives and they’ve finally got a win, but they’ve got to tidy up at set pieces and stop leaving holes defensively because that’s how Bristol Rovers got their goals.”

Dion Dublin, ex-Manchester United and Aston Villa striker and Match of the Day pundit

"He (Chris Wilder) wants to see energy, he wants to see positives and he wants to see good attitudes – and he had that in abundance.

"I thought Bristol Rovers were outstanding, but Sheffield United showed that they have the attitude and did what they did last season in getting players forward and being positive – and that’s what Chris wants to see. He wants to see his team take on his orders and take them onto the pitch.”

Danny Murphy, former Liverpool and England midfielder and talkSPORT co-presenter

"The only thing that would make getting relegated better in any way shape or form would be winning the FA Cup but in the form they’re in, I can’t see them doing that.

"It’s a slight reprieve . . . but it’s too late for them. They’re down.”

Simon Jordan, ex-Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT co-presenter

"It’s important they win these FA Cup games as it gives them some momentum to try and get something out of this season. It doesn’t mean staying up, it means not going down to the Championship in such a state that you don’t recover next season.

"The objective for Sheffield United will be ‘ok, we need to get up back out of the Championship’. So, if you go down with seven or nine points or whatever the lowest total ever is in the Premier League it’s hardly going to build morale.”

Jermaine Beckford, former Leeds United and Everton striker and BBC Final Score studio guest

"It doesn’t matter how (the first win) comes about, as long as you get it. That’s exactly what they did. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but it was effective and they ended up getting the three goals as well. They couldn’t keep a clean sheet but they got the job done.”

Matt Murray, ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper and Soccer Saturday studio guest on Sky Sports

“Bristol Rovers pushed them all the way. Sheffield United took the lead three times and it was only after the third time that they managed to see the game through. Sheffield United dominated the game for long spells, they started off really, really quickly.

"I thought (Oli) Burke was brilliant when he came on. He missed a really good chance but then he went on and had too much pace, too much power and got the goal.

"I just feel it’s a win and it will give them some confidence. They dominated the ball and all in all they’re through to the next round and that will give them confidence going into their next league game.”

Stuart McCall, former Sheffield United and Scotland midfielder and studio guest on BT Sport’s Score show

“Job done by Sheffield United. It was a good performance and it will hopefully build their confidence a little bit because it could have been a tricky tie . . . Bristol Rovers have picked up recently. They’re through to the next round, which is the most important thing, and a first win of the season – well deserved.”

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