Sheffield United Boss Chris Wilder on Visit to Pride Park: “We Have to Earn the Right to Play” | OneFootball

Sheffield United will travel to Pride Park this Saturday afternoon, hoping to take advantage of a depleted Derby County side.

After suffering a shocking 3-0 defeat to Hull City, Chris Wilder’s men will be eager to return to winning ways against a Rams team in the midst of a severe slump.

Before their recent setback, United had built strong momentum with three consecutive wins, scoring at least twice in each match. That attacking form will be key as they aim to quickly put the Hull defeat behind them.

Chris Wilder’s Honest Assessment in What Went Wrong For Blades Against Hull City

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Chris Wilder (r) head coach of Sheffield United with his staff on the bench during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland AFC and Sheffield United FC at Stadium of Light on January 01, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Manager Chris Wilder acknowledged the struggles his side faced in that match, citing squad availability issues as a major factor. “We were playing a left-back in the middle of the park with a young kid who has done fantastically well but put a lot of mileage in. A couple of players that maybe shouldn’t have started had to start… we weren’t at our best, but these are facts,” he said in his press conference.

Derby County’s season is spiraling out of control. Paul Warne’s side has suffered six straight league defeats: seven in all competitions, and have struggled massively in front of goal, scoring in just two of their last six Championship matches. As a result, they sit 22nd in the table and are in desperate need of a result.

Wilder Previews Derby County vs Sheffield United

Despite their struggles, Wilder isn’t underestimating the challenge at Pride Park: “It’s a big club historically, always a great place to go and play football, a full house. Knowing Paul [Warne] and what he’s achieved, his team will be committed, disciplined, and organised. They’ll be on the front foot, and we have to earn the right to play.”

Sheffield United have been stretched thin in recent weeks, but Wilder is optimistic about the squad’s fitness and intensity heading into this match: “To get the numbers back up, the level of intensity in training has automatically gone up a notch. Competition benefits everybody. The players we’ve brought in have added to the squad, and I think you’ll see a more energetic, more positive performance than we did against Hull.”

One piece of great news for the Blades is that striker Kieffer Moore’s recovery is progressing well, with Wilder confirming: “[His operation] has all gone well. He’ll be available for the Middlesbrough game, which is great news.”