Why nothing has gone right for Sheffield United this season

[ASFN Admin]

Empty stadiums Bramall Lane was full for Premier League games before the pandemic and the atmosphere made supporters a 12th man for Wilder’s team. In midweek, they will host Manchester United just over a year on from the 3-3 draw in front of a passionate crowd, who energised the team. “I’m sure it will give them a lift. I’m jealous as I looked at Frank Lampard after his win against Leeds and going around the ground,” Wilder said. “There were only 2,000 in but there was still that buzz about the place. We’re a bit jealous of that, I must admit. “I’m not sure if ‘punished’ is the word but because we live in a certain part of the country we don’t have fans and we hope it comes sooner rather than later.” Team bonding United’s team spirit is usually forged in the pre-season trip to Portugal and maintained through the season with trips to the local coffee shop after training. With Sheffield in Tier 3, that has put an end to that daily ritual. David Moyes, after winning at Bramall Lane, suggested a trip to Miami to take the players’ mind off football for a few days would help Wilder, although that has been impossible during the pandemic. “I’d like to be in Tier 2 but the local politicians didn’t fight hard enough for us,” Wilder said. “We have meals together but my style of management is to take them somewhere different for a change and a fresh approach. “It is tough as I was open to it. Everyone tries to find cracks but there are no cracks in terms of attitude or spirit. They are a bit edgy with each other and it becomes tense at times which you can understand with the results we’ve got.” Injuries Last season, Wilder’s squad had a clean bill of health among their key players and he could names the same team week after week. Early this season came the devastating blow of losing Jack O’Connell, who was the cornerstone of Wilder’s defence last season. He provided balance on the left side of a back three and was a huge presence, as well as attacking as an overlapping centre-back. John Fleck’s back injury also had a big impact. The Scotland midfielder carries his team forward when he got on the back and the midfield looks less dynamic in his absence, with his recent return welcomed by Wilder. Lys Mousset has been struggling with his fitness all season and Wilder has needed options in attack and support for new signing Rhian Brewster.

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