Wilder Urges Blades to “Start Putting A Run Together” And Provides Injury Update | OneFootball

Sheffield United dug deep to secure a valuable point on the road after an intense 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday afternoon.

The Blades made a bright start in what proved to be an entertaining first half and carved out the game’s opening chance when Gustavo Hamer’s inswinging corner found Sam McCallum. The left-back’s header looked destined for the net, only to be dramatically hacked clear off the line.

United’s early promise was rewarded on 17 minutes. The goal owed much to the relentless pressing of Hamer, who won possession high up the pitch. Andre Brooks still had plenty to do, but the winger showed maturity beyond his years, dropping a shoulder before guiding a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Millwall responded from a set-piece. Alfie Doughty’s deep free-kick caused problems, Caleb Taylor headed the ball back into a dangerous area and Mihailo Ivanovic reacted quickest inside the six-yard box to flick home past Michael Cooper.

United were dealt a significant blow before the interval when McCallum was forced off on a stretcher, but Wilder’s side continued to threaten.

Brooks again found joy down the flank, skipping away from Doughty before picking out Tom Cannon, whose effort was well saved by Crocombe. From the rebound, Callum O’Hare somehow headed wide with the goal gaping.

As the contest wore on, the tempo understandably dipped, yet it was Millwall who finished the stronger. United endured some nervy moments as the hosts repeatedly fizzed balls into the penalty area, but resolute defending and grit ensured the Blades held firm to earn a hard-fought point.

Sheffield United Boss’ Reaction After Millwall Draw

Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer running with the ball at his feet against Millwall. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

After the game, manager Chris Wilder took plenty of positives from the performance at what he described as one of the toughest venues in the division.

“In my opinion, at this particular moment, it’s the hardest place to go and get a result,” Wilder said to SUTV. “Full house, them flying, home record, top. The way we approached the game, the way we played when we had to, and dug in when we had to, there are so many positives to come from today.

“Ultimately, we’ve not got the result that we were after, not for the want of trying. It’s great for the young players to experience playing here. If you can get something here, I think that’s a sign of strong character, mentally and physically, from a team point of view.”

Wilder also felt his side could have made the result even more comfortable. “We showed so many qualities and attributes today. We can be a little bit disappointed that we’ve not put them to bed a couple of times, but they get their results for a reason and they’re in the position they are for a reason.

“Everybody worked their absolute socks off and gave everything for the football club. If we want to climb the table and create a good feel around the club, we have to start putting runs together.”

Wilder Provides Injury Update After Gruelling Affair Against Millwall

On the injury front, Wilder admitted there were concerns over McCallum. “Sam will be off for a scan and that might be a season-ending injury, which is disappointing for him. He was in an awful lot of pain when he was stretchered off.”

He also provided an update on Tom Davies, adding: “Tom coming off is a big blow for us. We’ll assess that one because he’s starting to get into a rhythm and add to our options in the middle of the park.”

Sheffield United will be back in action in midweek when they host Oxford United.