What one famous boxer can teach Sheffield United as they look to kickstart their push for survival at Brighton and Hove Albion

Not so long ago, a former world champion boxer was asked what picture he used as a screensaver on his mobile phone.
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Was it, the journalist conducting the interview enquired, an image of him winning the title? Or another photograph, capturing one of the many knockouts he recorded during a long and illustrious career spent, for the most part, at the pinnacle of the toughest and most brutal game of all?

“No”, the now retired fighter replied, as he slid the device across the table. “It’s of a loss I suffered when I really should have won. Because it reminds me that I took my beating like a man and showed the courage to learn, regroup and come back from it.”

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Chris Wilder was reminded of the story earlier this week when, after watching his Sheffield United team lose for the 11th time in 12 outings following a subdued performance at Southampton, he began preparing for last night’s contest against Manchester United. And, after that game also ended in defeat for a side now nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League table, the tale of how one of Britain’s legendary sportsmen stared failure in the face - embraced it and used it to write his name into the history books - clearly remained at the forefront of Wilder’s mind as he previewed Sunday’s visit to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Sheffield United's season has been tough, but not as tough as the fight game: AP Photo/Frank Franklin IISheffield United's season has been tough, but not as tough as the fight game: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Sheffield United's season has been tough, but not as tough as the fight game: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

“There’s times when you’ve got to pick yourself up off the canvas and go again,” the United manager admitted, assessing results so far this term. “Tough times don’t last forever, but tough people do and I think there’s countless examples which prove that.

“You don’t always have everything your own way. We’d all like to, but football and life in general just isn’t like that. So you have to roll with the punches, dust yourself down, take stock, try and improve and keep working hard. Oh, and come back out there ready to swing some shots.”

Wilder made no attempt to make light of the situation United find themselves during his latest pre-match media briefing, acknowledging that “we need a good points return over Christmas” to retain any chance of survival. But as he reflected upon the first prolonged downturn in results the club has experienced during what, since his appointment in the summer of 2016 has otherwise been a period of almost unparalleled success, the 53-year-old insisted his players most recent performance demonstrated there is still hope that can be achieved.

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“The guys recognise they are not far off a win, and if they show the same heart and desire they did against Manchester United, a squad full of world class players by the way, then they definitely aren’t,” Wilder said. “I wasn’t looking there at a group that has given up or lost hope. They fought all the way and yes, okay, there were a few bits and pieces we were disappointed with, but they showed they’re still in the fight.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says his team have got to come out fighting at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday: Peter Powell/PA Wire.Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says his team have got to come out fighting at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday: Peter Powell/PA Wire.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says his team have got to come out fighting at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday: Peter Powell/PA Wire.

“They were down after Southampton, we all were, because we were passive down there and that isn’t like us - that’s not what we’re all about. So the boys knew they needed to answer that, and they did.

“Sometimes, you’ve just got to take a bloody nose and get on with the job. But the way they’ve just played, that gives us something to build on, definitely.”

Despite expressing his admiration and respect for Albion, a club he represented during a playing career which also included two spells at the team he now manages, Wilder suspects the intensity which troubled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s “amazing” squad will, if replicated again, produce a more positive result at the AMEX Stadium. Graham Potter’s side, in 16th, have not won at home in the competition since June.

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“A whole host of our results last season were tight,” Wilder, who led United to a ninth placed finish last season, said. “After a decent performance, that gives us the best chance of getting a result. The majority of the opponents we have played will say they should be on more points. Statistically, we feel we should have more. But statistics don’t win games. Putting the ball in the back of the net does.”

Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder watches a chance go begging: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSheffield United's manager Chris Wilder watches a chance go begging: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder watches a chance go begging: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

United, who could be without Sander Berge as they go in search of their first win of the campaign, won the corresponding fixture 12 months ago thanks to a goal from Oli McBurnie. Like Berge, receiving treatment for a hamstring injury sustained against Manchester United, McBurnie’s involvement is also in doubt due to the shoulder he damaged at St Mary’s.

Although Wilder was encouraged by the sight of United going “toe to toe” with the visitors from Old Trafford - David McGoldrick giving them the lead before setting-up a grandstand finale with his second of the night after Marcus Rashford (2) and Anthony Martial had scored - he did express disappointment at the manner of goals conceded. Taking care of the “small details” and “big moments” - John Fleck missing a chance to extend United’s advantage following McGoldrick’s opener - featured prominently on his agenda before departing for Sussex.

“I know the neutrals and Manchester United fans will say they were great assists,” Wilder said. “And they were, but we felt we could have done a little bit better. Overall, though, without picking it apart too much, the fighting spirit and belief was there. We need to carry on being front foot, aggressive and up for the scrap.”

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