Sheff United Way
·19 October 2025
Chris Wilder’s Determined Message to Sheffield United Players: “Nobody’s Going to Give Us Anything”

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Yahoo sportsSheff United Way
·19 October 2025
Sheffield United finally claimed their first home victory of the Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Watford at Bramall Lane, a result that lifted the Blades off the foot of the table and injected renewed belief into Chris Wilder’s side.
United were sharp and purposeful from set-pieces throughout a dominant first half. After several near misses, including headers flashed across the face of goal, Watford goalkeeper Egil Selvik was called into action to deny Mark McGuinness, reacting superbly to tip away the defender’s towering effort. Fellow centre-back Japhet Tanganga also went close just before the break, his header clawed away by the impressive Norwegian stopper in the final chance of the half.
The visitors began the second period with more urgency and they nearly punished United early on. On-loan full-back Caleb Wiley drove forward down the left flank but blazed his effort wide of the near post, much to the relief of the Bramall Lane faithful.
The breakthrough eventually arrived just before the hour mark. Tyrese Campbell’s low strike was parried by Selvik, but academy product Andre Brooks was quickest to react, cutting the ball across goal from the left for Callum O’Hare to tap home from close range.
The Blades held firm for the remaining half-hour to secure a vital three points, climbing to 23rd place and setting up a crucial midweek clash away at 22nd-placed Blackburn Rovers.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Callum O’Hare of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with his teammates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Watford at Bramall Lane on October 18, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Speaking to SUTV, manager Chris Wilder reflected on the emotion and significance of the win:
“It was in the 93rd minute and I got asked the question by one of the punters. He said, ‘Why do you do it?’ I’ve got to say that for about ten seconds I scratched my head and thought, ‘Why do I do it?’
“Then that roar at the final whistle, I knew then why I do it and all those who come know it. To follow your team, regardless of whether you’re top of the league or at the bottom, it’s for these moments. I’ve had a lot of moments like this, and this group is trying to produce more of them.”
Wilder praised his players’ resilience and mentality:
“I believe we were the better team. The bare minimum is that, whether it’s gritty or however it comes. I said last year, 28 wins; people don’t realise how difficult it is to win games in the Championship, especially from the position we’re in.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard over these last two weeks. It was time to reset and regroup, talk sternly to the players about where we were and remind them that nobody’s going to give us anything. We know the rest of the league will be enjoying our struggles, but we’re the only ones who can change it. Let’s try to build on this, that’s the most important thing.”
The Blades’ defensive unit earned special praise after keeping just their second clean sheet of the season:
“I thought Ben Mee, Mark McGuinness, and Tanganga in the second half were fabulous. The skipper’s best game by a mile. I don’t think Michael Cooper had a save to make. They’ll be disappointed with the left-footed shot that went wide and when they hit the bar late on, but I never really felt we were massively under the cosh.”
However, there was some concerning news before kick-off as Gustavo Hamer was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in training. The midfielder was later seen on the pitch at full-time wearing a knee brace, prompting fears of a spell on the sidelines.
Wilder confirmed the setback post-match: “It was just a freak situation where he’s come inside and nicked something in his knee. He wanted to play today but the scan showed it’s not a situation to take lightly. Is it long term? No. Is it medium term? It might be, but we’ll do our best.”
The Sheffield United gaffer also confirmed Tom Davies was absent due to an injury he suffered at Hull City just before the recent international break. However, in more positive news, Blades supporters got to see a 10 minute sub appearance for Jamie Shackleton who had been out for the majority of 2025.
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