Chris Wilder needs to demand more from Sheffield United ace who can save his job | OneFootball

Chris Wilder must demand more from out-of-form striker Tyrese Campbell amid Sheffield United's struggles

Things at Sheffield United aren't exactly rosy at the minute, and with the international break coming at a good time for Chris Wilder's side, the 58-year-old will be demanding some of his underperforming stars to step up when they return to action in three weeks' time.

Sheffield United head into the international break on a glum note, having fallen to a late 2-1 defeat away to Stoke City courtesy of two wonder-goals from Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher after Kalvin Phillips had given the Blades the lead with his own fantastic free-kick.

The Blades sit four points above the drop zone as things stand, and whilst they are not in any immediate danger, there are clear warning signs that Wilder cannot ignore for much longer.

The Sheffield native will be as disappointed as anyone else with his side's run of form, as he will be keen to use this three-week break to his advantage.

Sheffield United are on a worrying run of form heading into the international break

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With just two wins in the Championship this season, coming at home to Bolton Wanderers late on and away to Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United head into the break losing four of their last five games.

Of those five, the most damning defeat has to have come away to League Two Fleetwood Town, with Rhys Norrington-Davies putting the ball into his own net from a cross to send the fourth tier side to the next round at the Blades' expense.

However, their 3-1 defeat at home to Norwich City remains the only game at this stage that ended in a two-goal margin, with Sheffield United either narrowly winning, drawing, or narrowly losing.

Things must get more convincing sooner rather than later for Wilder, and upon their return to action at home against Lincoln City on October 10, the Blades boss will be demanding more from numerous attacking players, including Tyrese Campbell.

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The sales of Callum O'Hare, Andre Brooks, and Gustavo Hamer over the summer have left huge gaps in the final third at Bramall Lane, and whilst Ben Brereton Diaz, Romelle Donovan, and Jordan Ayew will go some way to replacing them, you'd do well to create an argument that they haven't become significantly weaker.

Patrick Bamford, Tom Cannon, Ryan One, and Tahith Chong will all provide another option in that area for Wilder, though the 58-year-old must be looking to Campbell to step up sooner rather than later.

The 26-year-old joined the Blades on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 following his release from Stoke City, and scored 11 goals in 36 appearances during his first year at the club, including the opener in the Championship play-off final against Sunderland. He was very nearly the man who spearheaded their Premier League return.

However, the striker has suffered something of a decline since then, and given the Blades' struggles, must step up sooner rather than later.

Tyrese Campbell has endured a disappointing slip in form at Sheffield United following play-off heartbreak

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Campbell has over 200 Championship games under his belt at 26, but has only hit double digits in a season once in the division, failing to ever really live up to his promising early potential.

His struggles at Stoke and inconsistent form meant the Potters allowed him to leave for nothing after 164 appearances for the club, and now he is experiencing similar struggles with the Blades.

Campbell scored just six goals in 34 league appearances last season, and has none in five so far this campaign, although Wilder has preferred the likes of Bamford and Cannon over him up top.

However, at 26, he ought to be in his physical prime, and with the experience that he has under his belt, he should be performing at a much higher level than what he is producing right now.

Injuries over the years haven't helped his case, but the former England youth international has few excuses now, as he must step up to the fore and help to save Wilder's job upon the return to action; otherwise, he could slip into obscurity as well.

Chris Wilder must look to Tyrese Campbell to save his Sheffield United job post-international break

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If poor results follow after the international break, it would be no surprise to see Wilder dismissed from his role at Bramall Lane once again, having been done so twice before.

The Blades boss will not go down without a fight, however, and will be doing everything in his power to ensure they return to action strongly ahead of the important next block of fixtures.

Campbell has the ability to win games on his own, and whilst he hasn't shown that often enough with Sheffield United, Wilder must put his faith in the striker, who could potentially save his job.