Why Sheffield United can stun Manchester City this weekend

Despite preparing for the fixture having taken only a point from their last six Premier League games, Wilder is convinced United’s recent form means a first win of the new campaign is not far away despite losing several influential players to injury.

Reminding how Jurgen Klopp admitted United had caused reigning champions Liverpool “a lot of problems” at Anfield five days ago, Wilder described their performance on Merseyside as a “sign” things are “coming together” after a pre-season programme disrupted by issues including scheduling difficulties and Covid-19 protocols.

Although he acknowledged United must now start to “marry up” performances with results, Wilder told The Star: “We are respected as a football club and we are respected as a team. I don’t want us turning up to any game thinking we can’t get a result and we won’t. Every match is an opportunity to get a result, no matter who it is against.”

“If we get plaudits then good,” Wilder added, referring to Klopp’s praise for United’s most recent display, which he claimed was of an “incredible standard”. “But I want points as well. If we play in that manner, though, we will get points. You have to marry up performances with results.”

Although Wilder confirmed he is disappointed by United’s recent returns - after finishing ninth last season, they remained 19th in the table after losing to Liverpool - the 53-year-old reminded there are mitigating circumstances.

Jack O’Connell and John Fleck are among those set to miss the meeting with City, one of the biggest spending teams in world football, while Max Lowe is also a doubt.

“This time last year, we had eight points,” Wilder said. “Even with the disruption we’ve had so far, and also the loss of our support with everything still being behind closed doors, I don’t think there’s much difference between this season and the last one. We’ve just got to defend a little better and be more clinical.”