'We're not malicious, we're competitive' - Chris Wilder hits back at accusations against Sheffield United

As well as proving a test of their technical powers, the first six months of top flight competition have also seen Sheffield United complete a crash course in some of football’s darker, theatrical, arts.

But rather than finding themselves on the receiving end of rough treatment, Wilder’s team found themselves accused of employing some pretty nefarious tactics during last weekend’s win over Crystal Palace.

It was a charge Wilder denies and, after dismissing claims his side had taken it in turns to foul Wilfried Zaha, insisted the allegations simply confirm the game is in danger of becoming a non-contact sport.

“We’re not malicious but we are competitive and this is a competitive sport,” he said. “It seems to be going a way (in the PL) that we’ve not been used to in the Championship for the last two years.”

On Sunday, when AFC Bournemouth visit Bramall Lane, Wilder will again instruct his squad to engage with the opposition. Eddie Howe’s men are not known for being overly combative and United can produce exhilarating football. But Jefferson Lerma’s suspension - the defensive midfielder was dismissed during Bournemouth’s victory over Aston Villa - represents a potential opportunity for United to exploit.

Wilder was also encouraged by the way George Baldock negotiated safe passage through the match at Selhurst Park after being cautioned for an early challenge on Zaha. Although much of the analysis which supposedly pointed to the fact United had shared the responsibility of bringing the winger down was flawed - Roy Hodgson moved the Ivory Coast international across the pitch during the second-half - wing back Baldock demonstrated impressive levels of maturity as he choose when to try and rob Zaha of possession and when to simply track his runs.

Referring to two incidents during the match, which saw United finish the latest round of PL games sixth in the table, Wilder said: “I actually thought it was a bit disappointing George received his first yellow, but there were a couple of boys booked after that so the referee was consistent in his approach.

“Some of their lads wanted him (Baldock) gone when he made another (tackle) but I didn’t think it was a yellow. The same as I didn’t think (Palace’s) Joel Ward should have gone for his one on Enda Stevens.” Ward was initially dismissed before the decision was overturned following a video review.

“The experience George had against arguably the best winger in the division, valued at £90 odd million pounds, will be invaluable for him,” Wilder added.

“He got booked after 10 minutes and had to deal with that, he had to find a way out.

“There was no way he was coming off as far as I was concerned but he got through it.”