How Harrison Burrows reacted to bold Chris Wilder decision at Sheffield United - 'it was the right thing to do' | OneFootball

Burrows was forced to make his Blades impact from the bench vs Blackburn Rovers.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder made the brave decision to drop star defender Harrison Burrows for Blackburn Rovers, and the Blades defender has praised his gaffer for doing so.

It was a Tuesday night at Ewood Park that may well have sent a message to the rest of the Championship that Sheffield United are now firmly on the mend.

For a five-minute period at the end of the first half and a 14-minute one at after the interval, however, it looked as though Blades were only sailing further into deeper water, as it was Blackburn who took the lead on 40 minutes through Yuki Ohashi.

However, an Axel Henriksson own goal with 54 minutes on the clock signalled the start of the United revival on the night, with Wilder's men going on to win the game 3-1 thanks to goals from Burrows and Tyrese Campbell respectively.

"Right thing to do" - Sheffield United defender Harrison Burrows praises Chris Wilder for Blackburn benching

Having started in all of Sheffield United's opening eight Championship games of the season, Burrows looked set to reprise his key role for United following his move from Peterborough United in the summer of last year.

But, the last three league outings have seen the 23-year-old dropped to the bench, with 18, 22 and 28-minute substitute cameos against Hull City, Watford and Blackburn last time out respectively.

It's been ex-Norwich City defender Sam McCallum who's been favoured in the starting XI over those last three games by Wilder, with Burrows replacing him in the second half on each occasion.

However, the former Posh left-back has surely now made a case to reprise his starting role for United's upcoming clash away at Preston North End on Friday night, as it was he who put Blades 2-1 ahead on 70 minutes after entering the fray in the 62nd, before turning provider for Campbell's strike in added time.

Given the fact he made 48 total appearances for Blades last season, it would've been understandable had Burrows reacted negatively to being benched, as it's something no player wants to happen to them.

But, speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield via The Star, he actually took the side of his manager, and praised Wilder for making the decision to drop him from the starting lineup.

"The gaffer's pulled me out of the team for a reason, and I believe in all the actions that he does," Burrows said.

"I think it was the right thing to do. It has taken me back and maybe made me want to work that little bit harder to get back into the team.

"Then when I come on, I want to show my qualities, which he showed the belief (in me) by bringing me on for the last 30. Hopefully I have repaid him."

Burrows' reaction to Chris Wilder benching is kind of team spirit Sheffield United must keep showing

When faced with the situation that Sheffield United have found themselves in this season, unity, maturity and team spirit are essential ingredients required in a dressing room if the team is to turn things around.

It's fair to say that this Blades team have been questioned over the presence of traits such as those being alive in this squad given their dismal start to the campaign, but recent results paired with Burrows' words suggest that Wilder's squad does have those key elements.

Indeed, it's now back-to-back wins for United for the first time this season, having put Watford to the sword last weekend.

As many predicted would be the case following his reappointment after the sacking of Ruben Selles, Wilder appears to be getting a tune out of this undoubtedly talented group of players, with fans starting to look towards the distance they must cover to catch the leading pack.

With the likes of Burrows, Michael Cooper, Japhet Tanganga, Sydie Peck, Callum O'Hare, Gus Hamer, Campbell and Danny Ings in the side, this is still a Sheffield United team that has enough quality across the pitch to put their start to the season behind them, and still achieve their goals this term.

However, if they're going to do that, then Burrows' team-first mindset must be shared by all who don the red and white stripes, otherwise, it could still be a long campaign at Bramall Lane.