“I’m just loving every minute” – Sheffield United rock on forming strong partnership with teammate | OneFootball

Sheffield United continued their impressive start to the Championship season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Derby County at Bramall Lane.

The victory marked their third consecutive win and clean sheet, maintaining their unbeaten run through six games. Manager Chris Wilder expressed satisfaction with the result but acknowledged that his side was not at their best during the first half.

“We were a little bit loose in the first half, gave the ball away too cheaply, and never really found our rhythm,” Wilder admitted after the game. “But in the second half, we upped the tempo, and while I never thought we were in danger, we needed a moment of brilliance: and Gus provided that.”

Wilder was referring to the game’s decisive moment: a stunning free-kick by Gustavo Hamer, which sealed the win for the Blades. Despite struggling for fluency early on, the team’s defensive resilience ensured Derby’s limited attacking threat never truly tested goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

Gustavo Hamer pays tribute to Maddy Cusack after his free-kick goal against Derby County.

Sheffield United defender on Derby County win and partnership with Anel Ahmedhodzic

Speaking after the match to SUTV, defender Harry Souttar acknowledged that Sheffield United might have made things harder for themselves, but he was pleased with the final outcome.

“Another three points. Probably should’ve been more if I’m honest with you,” Souttar admitted. “I think we made it a little bit more difficult for ourselves. The game got stretched at the end and we had a few opportunities, but the free-kick from Gustavo Hamer was top class and that’s what made the difference today, just that little bit of quality. But another three points and another clean sheet, and we keep moving forward.”

The Australian international has quickly forged a strong defensive partnership with Anel Ahmedhodzic, with the pair complementing each other’s strengths.

“I think we suit each other,” Souttar said. “He’s the more mobile of the two of us, and I’ll just go ahead and kick it for him. It’s been good, working well. I think this is the fourth game we’ve played together, so there is still loads to come.”

Since arriving at the club, Souttar has been vocal about his enjoyment of life at Bramall Lane. After struggling for regular game time last season at his parent club Leicester City, the 24-year-old has found his feet in the Championship and is relishing every moment.

“Honestly, I can’t tell you how much I’m loving it,” he said. “Coming into training every day, it’s such a good group of people: players and staff. Just a proper family-friendly feel to the club, and I feel we all want to succeed. We’ve got something here. Hearing the chants, going from not playing a lot of football last year to playing every week, I’m just loving every minute of it.”

The towering central defender has registered three clean sheets in four Championship starts so far this season, and it’s evident that the Blades have a very reliable rearguard in the form of Cooper, Souttar and Ahmedhodzic; United are yet to concede a goal with that trio on the pitch.