Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has warned his players they must take responsibility for individual errors after their 3-1 home defeat to Derby County at Bramall Lane.
The Blades fell into the Championship relegation zone after a second successive loss, leaving Wilder frustrated by defensive lapses and what he described as a lack of bravery on the ball.
Wilder Demands Accountability After Costly Mistakes
Sheffield United struggled to contain Derby forward Carlton Morris, who scored all 3 goals in an impressive hat-trick display. The visitors were sharper in key moments, while United’s defending and decision-making once again came under scrutiny.
Speaking after the match, Wilder said his side needed to show far greater concentration and discipline to turn results around.
“You get a job to do and you’ve got to execute it,” said Wilder. “If you don’t deliver, there are consequences. The second goal is ridiculous. We’re trying to build a head of steam, and then we gift them another.”
The 57-year-old admitted that errors from Sydie Peck and Alex Matos were particularly damaging, while Mark McGuinness endured a difficult afternoon before being substituted. Wilder’s frustration was clear as he lamented how easily his side had been undone despite periods of control.
“We gifted them a goal first 1 definitely gifted them the second,” he added. “At 3-1, I still felt there was a result in it for us, but we can’t concede 6 goals in 2 games and expect to win.”
Call for Bravery at Bramall Lane
Beyond the defensive issues, Wilder turned his attention to the mentality of his players, insisting that the Blades must show courage and conviction when playing in front of their home supporters.
“I do think we went a little bit safe and that’s a demanding audience,” Wilder reflected. “We have to be brave and be courageous with that. You can’t be bothered about playing safe, and you can’t be bothered about making a mistake.”
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He emphasised that responsibility lies with everyone involved at the club — from the technical staff to the dressing room — to respond positively to a difficult run of results.
“The onus is on everybody – coaches, managers, players. The power of players is far greater than the power of the manager if they get that right.
“We’ve lost 2 games of football that we should be taking points from, and we can’t afford to let results go through our fingers.”
The defeat leaves United in a precarious position as they prepare to travel to Coventry City on Tuesday night. Wilder, who returned to the club in December 2023, knows the pressure is mounting as the Blades look to avoid a second consecutive relegation.
Despite the setback, there were flashes of attacking promise. Callum O’Hare scored his first goal for the club, while substitute Tyrese Campbell went close to pulling another back late on. But Wilder made clear that attacking positives mean little without defensive solidity.
The manager concluded by reiterating his expectation that players must rise to the challenge: “It’s about bravery, responsibility, and doing your job. We’ve got to tighten up and stop gifting teams opportunities.”
Sheffield United now sit 22nd in the Championship table with just 3 wins from 15 games, while Derby’s victory lifted them into mid-table and ended their own recent poor run.
