Billy Sharp spots what Chris Wilder is doing wrong at Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sharp has been speaking about his former club's struggles on the pitch.

The international break is providing a time for reflection at Bramall Lane after what has been a frustrating start to the season for Sheffield United.

There was hope that there would be some improvement from last term's mid-table finish, but events on and off the field have created a negative mood around the South Yorkshire club.

The Blades entered the extended break off the back of defeats to Fleetwood Town and Stoke City and occupy 18th position with just two wins from eight Championship games.

Now, Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp has spoken openly about his former club's start to the season and where things have been going wrong.

Billy Sharp addresses Sheffield United's woes

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Sharp saw it all during his time with Sheffield United, from the lows of League One to the highs of the Premier League and knows Wilder better than most.

The striker, who has been without a club since his contract at Doncaster Rovers expired this summer, worked with his former boss for just under five years and also received the captain's armband during his tenure.

Speaking to Sky Sports' Essential EFL podcast, the 40-year-old offered his take on why things have not been going to plan for his former side.

"I think they're [Sheffield United] trying to adapt to other teams at the minute," he said.

"The Chris Wilder that I know was all about Monday to Thursday Sheffield United.

"And then Friday we might touch on and give the respect to the opposition a little bit, but at the minute I think they're trying to find a way to stay in games and maybe bring on some of their more direct players."

What has Chris Wilder said about the Blades' start?

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Following Sheffield United's latest defeat to Stoke, their third league defeat of the campaign, Wilder claimed it was far too early to judge his team just yet.

Of course, Coventry City and Southampton can attest to that in recent seasons, although they both went through managerial changes before improving.

The 59-year-old also promised that the Blades would come out fighting after the international break, which will be needed as the club embarks on a run of favourable fixtures, including Lincoln City, Portsmouth and Derby County.

Furthermore, Wilder has addressed the negative outside noise around the South Yorkshire outfit and says there will be no breaking the bond between him and his players, no matter how many bombs are thrown in their direction.

The Blades' boss has certainly been doing a lot of talking, but supporters will need to see evidence on the pitch.

What do the statistics say about Wilder's side?

Many Sheffield United supporters have been calling for more effort and application, and that is what Wilder's men will be judged on when they return from the international break.

One intriguing set of statistics from the Blades' start to the season is their pressing and how unsuccessful they have been.

Nobody can fault the intention, as Wilder's side are one of the highest-pressing teams in the Championship, starting their press at 42.6 meters away from their own goal; this ranks them as the sixth-highest pressing side in the division, according to Opta Analyst.

However, Sheffield United rank as the second least productive team in the second tier, as their press ends in a shot just 11.11 per cent of the time.

Moreover, only Watford, Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic have a lower xG than the South Yorkshire club, highlighting where their problems lie on the pitch.

Maybe Sharp is right, and Wilder is focusing too much on the opposition, but he must find a way to get the best out of a failing attack.