Wilder Makes “Ridiculously Inexperienced” Remark As Sheffield United Prepare For Stags Match | OneFootball

Sheffield United will face Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Wilder confirmed ahead of the tie that United had enjoyed the rare luxury of a full training ground this week, with almost the entire squad available as preparations continue for the visit of Nigel Clough’s Stags. However, despite the generally positive fitness picture, a small group of players will not be risked for the cup clash.

Sydie Peck, Chiedozie Ogbene and Jamie Shackleton will all sit out Sunday’s match, with Wilder keen to prioritise their long-term availability rather than push them back prematurely.

Blades Boss on Player Availability And Desire to Have A Cup Run

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Sydie Peck of Sheffield United celebrates scoring a penalty to make it 1-0 to his side during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Portsmouth at Bramall Lane on November 26, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

Speaking about Peck’s situation in particular, Wilder was encouraged by how close the midfielder is to returning.

“He won’t be involved but the good thing about it is that we have had everybody out there today training, which is very unusual,” Wilder explained in his pre-match press conference. “If we could keep it that way that would be incredible and give us a few difficult decisions to make, but I’m all over that. That doesn’t bother me at all; it puts us in a good place to get through periods of the season.”

“The second part of the season always goes really quick, loads of games. We want to go deep in this competition, we want to have a cup run, and that doesn’t put us off at all. It’s not like last season where if you looked at our team that played Cardiff it was ridiculously inexperienced, players playing out of position. It won’t be the case on Sunday.”

Wilder reiterated that while United will still be competitive, caution will prevail with those carrying knocks.

Could Sheffield United Start Hoever on Sunday?

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Ki-Jana Hoever of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Off the pitch, United have also strengthened their squad with the arrival of Ki-Jana Hoever, a player the club have admired for some time. The Blades first explored a move for the 23-year-old defender in the summer of 2024, but fitness concerns at the time prevented a deal. With those issues now behind him, United returned for a player they have tracked closely and believe adds balance to the squad.

Hoever arrives from a struggling Wolves side, having made eight league appearances this season, six of them starts. Despite his age, he brings valuable experience across both the Premier League and Championship.

“Ki is still a young man, but he’s experienced plenty in his early career,” Wilder said. “To have been at some of the clubs he has represented just shows how highly rated he is. What I like about him though is the desire to go and play. He now knows what it takes to be successful at this level and, by his own admission, he’s really matured on and off the pitch. He’s ready to take the next opportunity in his career and we’re delighted to have added him to our squad, not least for balance.”

Of course, the Dutchman could make his Blades debut in the FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town on Sunday.