The route Sheffield United simply can't afford to go down if they want to survive in the Premier League

Lundstram will miss the Boxing Day fixture against Everton, and also the meetings with Burnley and Crystal Palace over the festive period, following his dismissal during the first-half of last weekend’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Despite being frustrated by the midfielder’s refusal to sign a new contract at Bramall Lane, and acknowledging he could have played his last game for United after unveiling plans to try and sell him during next month’s transfer window, Wilder refused to condemn the tackle that led to Lundstram’s sending-off at the AMEX Stadium - insisting instead that efforts to minimise physical contact in the English game are more damaging to its reputation than “committed” and “honest” but mistimed attempts to win the ball.

The Star understands a meeting convened by Wilder to discuss the issue during the journey back to South Yorkshire, which was attended by some of United’s most influential and recognisable figures, resulted in a pledge to continue approaching fixtures in the same no-holds-barred manner some former professionals turned pundits have publicly condemned over the past 72 hours.

“It’s a contact sport and it always has been a contact sport as far as I’m aware,” Wilder said. “We need to engage with the opposition and we need to put a foot in, because if we don’t then we all know what’s going to happen - we are coming up against world class players every single week, and we’re not doing anything we aren’t supposed to be doing. In fact, I think fans want to see physical contact, because it’s one of the things that makes our game what it is.”

Although they will refuse to say so publicly, those tasked with trying to guide United towards safety following a difficult start to the season which has left them five points adrift at the bottom of the table believe the sterile environment matches are now being staged in makes it even more important United remain committed and pugnacious. With the majority of fixtures in the competition taking place behind closed doors as social distancing measures imposed because of the Covid-19 pandemic become increasingly draconian, and the influence external factors such as encouragement or pressure applied by spectators dwindles to non-existent levels, it has been noticeable how players whose careers were on a downward trajectory have suddenly blossomed in recent months. Manchester United’s Paul Pogba is arguably the best example, with many commentators who previously accused him of being a liability now describing the Frenchman as the driving force behind his side’s march into title contention. Top-flight contests have increasingly become tests of pure footballing ability in recent months and, at this stage of their development, United lack the financial muscle required to sign World Cup winners or established internationals from clubs such as Juventus. So, as David McGoldrick alluded earlier this month, they must find a counterbalance.

“If we don’t put it on world class performers, if we just stand off them and let them put their foot on the ball, give them the time they want, then we’re going to get punished,” he said. “So we’ve got to jump on them, put pressure on them and try to knock them out of their stride.”

Hearing McGoldrick, probably the most cultured member of United’s squad, speak in such terms is bound to resonate with Wilder and his assistant Alan Knill as they attempt to ensure the visit of Carlo Ancelotti’s side delivers a first victory of the new season. United have returned the lowest average possession percentage of any top-flight team so far this term which, despite not being an issue in itself, is something they must rectify to stand a chance of climbing the table. Lundstram’s tackle on Joel Veltman might have been ill advised in the present climate but, coming during a period of the game when Albion were beginning to find their rhythm, it was probably as much of a statement of intent - a message that United were not going to be passive or compliant - as attempt to win the ball.

Everton make the journey east on the back of three straight wins and although one of those - against Chelsea earlier this month - saw them enjoy only 28 per cent of the possession during that fixture, United will be keen to ensure Gylfi Sigurdsson and Abdoulaye Doucoure are not afforded the time and space to create opportunities for Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their former centre-forward, who has netted 14 goals in only 16 appearances since September.

Although Wilder concedes refereeing trends, coupled with the petitioning of those wanting to create a more favourable and comfortable environment for the most gifted performers, means United run the risk of more disciplinary issues if they continue in the same vein, he is convinced it is a gamble worth taking. Indeed, given the disparity in experience and expertise levels across the division, the 53-year-old believes being “aggressive” is the only option available to United as they attempt to drag themselves towards safety.

“I’ll always tell my players to engage and they’ll always do that,” he said. “Obviously there’s a line nobody wants to see crossed and we won’t either, because that’s not right. But it’s up to the officials to decide where that is and if it has been.”

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