Why Chris Wilder retains complete belief in Sheffield United's methods ahead of crunch West Brom clash

The Blades face their fellow strugglers still looking for their first win of the campaign, with nine games played.

A combination of factors, chiefly the absence of Jack O'Connell to injury, has nullified the effectiveness of United's innovative 3-5-2 formation - which took them close to qualifying for Europe last season, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

A growing number of fans believe United should consider redrawing their approach, perhaps to a back four, in light of the loss of O'Connell.

But Wilder said today: "We believe in what we're doing, it's worked for me for a long period of time.

"We're always assessing and analysing and we have to believe that the next game is the one that turns it around. I don't believe a wrecking ball is needed.

"It might be if we were all over the place and getting beat three or four. But if we'd have won the game on Sunday [against West Ham] I don't think people would have been scratching their heads."

West Brom, promoted from the Championship last season under Slaven Bilić, are a place and two points above United in the Premier League table.

"We know it'll be tough, as we always expect," Wilder added.

"It's another team desperate to affect their position, with some good players and a fabulous manager in Slav.

"We have to stick to our beliefs and principles."

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor