What Chris Wilder has said about Rhian Brewster returning to Sheffield United with Derby County | OneFootball

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has discussed Rhian Brewster's return to Bramall Lane with Derby County.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was full of praise for Rhian Brewster as the forward prepares to return to Bramall Lane with Derby County on Saturday, even if he acknowledged some fans may think differently.

The 25-year-old joined the Blades in 2020 when they were a Premier League club from Liverpool in a club-record deal worth up to £23.5m.

However, it’s fair to say that Brewster didn’t hit the heights expected of him in a red-and-white shirt, as he scored just nine goals in that five-year period, although it should be said that injuries played a big part.

Chris Wilder speaks highly of Rhian Brewster ahead of Sheffield United return

Despite his struggles in front of goal, Brewster did make some notable contributions, and he did score the winner in a Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

So, with his contract expiring in the summer, many fans were divided on whether the ex-England youth international should be offered a new deal.

Even though Sheffield United entered talks to keep the player, they couldn’t agree terms, with Brewster eventually agreeing a two-year contract with the Rams.

Therefore, he could get some stick from the home fans when the two sides meet on Saturday, but Wilder, the man who signed the player, told the Sheffield Star he will always value Brewster’s contributions to the club as he reflected on managing the forward.

“He’s their player, but I've got a lot of time and respect for Rhian. He's a lad who had an incredibly unlucky, unfortunate time here with the injuries he had. I've said enough about him.

“He'll get the reception that he gets, whether it's mixed, whether it's incredibly positive or whether it's negative. People have their own views on that but from my point of view, he gave me everything.

“He wanted to play. He was great around the club. He was a good pro and a good personality. He was a good player if kept fit, and that was obviously always the challenge. Not just for us, but for him.”

Rhian Brewster will be determined to prove his worth at Derby County

It will be interesting to see how the Blades fans react to Brewster, but he will appreciate those words from Wilder.

However, for Brewster, his only focus right now will be on helping Derby as they look to make it three victories on the bounce when they take on Sheffield United.

Sadly, the attacker has already been hit by injuries since his arrival in the East Midlands, but he has now featured in four games in a row for John Eustace’s side as he looks to get back some rhythm.

Realistically, he is likely to start on the bench given Derby have just recorded back-to-back wins, but Brewster is sure to have some role to play, and whilst he is not going to hold any grudge towards Sheffield United, he would love to play his part in a Rams' victory this weekend.