Chris Wilder urged to stick by underperforming key Sheffield United player - He's been "disappointing" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Michael Cooper's poor start to the season

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United’s struggles in the Championship continued with a 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic this past weekend.

Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has yet to keep a clean sheet for the Blades this season, with that result making it six defeats from six in the league now.

Chris Wilder returned to the dugout for the clash against the Addicks after Ruben Selles was sacked, but he was unable to make an immediate impact and turn around the side’s form.

United's first-choice goalkeeper Cooper has conceded 13 goals from six games, and as per Fotmob, his Goals Prevented stat - which sits at -4.3 - is the worst in the entire Championship so far.

Sheffield United have conceded the most goals of any side in the division after six games, one more than QPR who are ninth in the table with 12 goals against.

Michael Cooper backed to turn poor Sheffield United form around

When asked if he is concerned with Cooper’s form, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the Blades Ramble YouTube channel, backed the goalkeeper to turn things around.

He claimed he has full faith in the 25-year-old, and has told Chris Wilder to stick with the ex-Plymouth Argyle man in-between the sticks.

“Michael Cooper’s form has been indicative of what’s happened to Sheffield United this season,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“It’s just been so disappointing all the way around, but we still know what quality he can bring, and I would still hope that he is certainly one of the best in the division and that he will come good.

“I’ve no doubt that we will see better performances out of Michael Cooper, and the rest of the team, as Chris Wilder gets his feet back under the table and gets things sorted out.

“You don’t turn into a bad player overnight, and certainly Michael Cooper is one of the best players we’ve got.

“So, I’ve full faith in him that he will turn it around, and full faith that Chris Wilder is the man to lead us there.”

Sheffield United are bottom of the Championship table, and are the only side to remain without a point after six games.

Wilder guided the club to a play-off final just a few months ago, but will now have to steer the team clear of the relegation zone.

Next up for Wilder’s side is a trip to face his former side Oxford United on September 27 at the Kassam Stadium in a 3pm kick-off.

Michael Cooper’s form is only part of the problem for Sheffield United

Sheffield United are giving up far too many good chances in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, so it’s no surprise that Cooper has struggled a bit compared to last season.

Yes, he’s made mistakes himself, with a few of the goals conceded going through him far too easily, but he’s also not been helped by some calamitous defending either - particularly when Selles was deploying such a high line.

It may take a few weeks for things to settle again under Wilder, but Cooper should be backed to turn around his form despite this major dip to start the new campaign.

The loss to Charlton was a bad result, but Sheffield United did improve defensively, and limited the Addicks to very few good chances besides their late goal - Cooper should be given more time to turn his form around before Wilder considers giving backup stopper Adam Davies a chance.