How Chris Wilder's Sheffield United comments have struck a nerve with some fans | OneFootball

The Blades boss has insisted his side will come out fighting after losing their third in four to end the first block of games

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has promised his side will come out "fighting and punching" after the international break.

It hasn't been the best of weeks for the Blades. After being dumped out of the EFL Cup by League Two side Fleetwood Town, the Bramall Lane-based side slumped to a third defeat in four league outings after Stoke City came from behind to win 2-1 on Saturday. It leaves them 18th with nine points through eight games.

It's been a busy opening six weeks of the season, with Sheffield United playing the maximum 11 games that Championship sides who made the EFL Cup third round have had to play, and fatigue is clearly setting in after four straight weeks of Saturday/Tuesday fixtures.

Numerous head coaches are welcoming the upcoming three-week break, no more so than Chris Wilder.

Chris Wilder makes Sheffield United promise after international break

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Saturday's trip to Stoke marked yet another quite toothless outing for Sheffield United. The Blades had the lead through a Kalvin Phillips free kick, but that was one of just eight shots they took at Viktor Johansson.

Chris Wilder's side have taken the fewest shots out of any second-tier side through eight games this season — 11 fewer than Charlton Athletic in 23rd —, but the Sheffield United manager insisted after the loss to Stoke that they'll be back with more firepower after the break.

"Getting the likes of the other boys — Femi [Seriki], Harrison Burrows and Ryan Oné — back after the international break will be a big boost to the group," Wilder told the Sheffield Star.

"So, we’ve just got to deal with it. As I said, it’s a tough little period that we’re going through. Whether it’s personally or as a team, it tests you.

"You don’t enjoy it, but you have to come out fighting and punching, and we certainly will. We know the narrative at the moment will be pretty negative, even though we’re not marooned at the bottom of the division or in the bottom third.

"I’m not saying that would be acceptable, because it certainly won’t be, but I think the level of performances, especially over the last two games, for people with a level head and taking the emotion out of it, has been pretty good."

How Sheffield United fans feel about their current situation

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Sheffield United have come out on the wrong side of some fine-margin games in the past week. In league action, they've lost consecutive games to nil, one thanks to a 90th-minute Raul Jimenez effort against Wolves, and Stoke's goals on Saturday were both wonder strikes.

From that perspective, Chris Wilder believes his side's performances are "on the right track," per an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield, but some Blades fans disagree.

"Not one Blade thinks we should be ‘top 2 or 3’ with this squad. But what we do expect is a bit of effort, a system that works for the players we’ve got, and not the same dross week in, week out. As for ‘we’re on the right track’… 🤦🏻‍♂️," one Sheffield United fan said online in response.

"Right track?? What is he on?" one supporter questioned, while another added, "Right track? To what the sack, Wilder?"

"We also had 1 shot on goal in open play again Chris, and haven't played well in a single game all season. You have had a full pre season, brought your players in....." was also amongst the comments, and others are even questioning Wilder's position at the club.

"I love you Chris but it might be time. I can't remember the last time we were the better team because it definitely wasn't this season," another fan added.

Sheffield United must up their performance levels after the international break

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Sheffield United may have gone their first six games in all competitions unbeaten before this run of four defeats in five, but, arguably, the shift in form is due to their opposition taking their chances while on top, whereas other sides didn't.

As mentioned, the Blades are comfortably bottom when it comes to taking shots on goal. 25 of their 66 total shots have been from set pieces, too, so just 41 have been from open play.

What's arguably more concerning is that, while Sheffield United haven't threatened too much going forward, they haven't been that tight at the back, either.

Only Charlton have allowed more shots on goal. Only Bolton Wanderers and Derby County have allowed more on target, and their xG difference is currently the 5th worst in the division.

So, not only are Sheffield United sitting 18th heading into the international break, but their underlying numbers don't really suggest they're unlucky to be where they are, which will be concerning.

The Blades will need a response after the break. Hopefully, the three weeks off will allow for a more rejuvenated performance against Lincoln City on October 10th.