Chris Wilder insists it’s ‘us against the world’ as the returning Sheffield United boss attempts to build a siege mentality ahead of the Blades’ clash with Liverpool

• Chris Wilder has returned to Sheffield United for a second spell as their boss 
• The Blades are rock bottom of the Premier League after the 5-0 loss to Burnley 
• IAN LADYMAN: Liverpool are two players short for another great period – It’s All Kicking Off 

Returning Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder will attempt to build a siege mentality in order to defy the odds and avoid relegation.

Wilder, who took his hometown club from the third tier into the Premier League during his first spell in charge, cut a determined figure as he was unveiled as Paul Heckingbottom’s successor on Tuesday.

The 56-year-old takes over a club bottom of the table with only five points and faces a formidable first test at home to Liverpool on Wednesday.

‘It has always been us, Sheffield United against the world,’ said Wilder. ‘We’re not a club that dominates or lords it over others. I like that. We can take advantage.

‘Bramall Lane is a special place. I’ve told the players that to play Liverpool in front of a packed house under the lights is like an FA Cup third round tie. How should you approach it? Give it everything, we’ve got nothing to lose.

Chris Wilder will try to build a siege mentality at Sheffield United in order to avoid relegation

The Blades are bottom of the Premier League after Saturday’s dismal 5-0 defeat to Burnley

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 ‘If you sit on the ropes for four or five rounds then someone is going to land on you. You’ve got to swing some punches as well. We have to be brave, in and out of possession.’

Wilder is regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever managers for his largely successful five-year stint. He led United to a top-half Premier League finish in 2019-20 before his relationship with owner Prince Abdullah soured and he was sacked in March 2021.

He and the Saudi dignitary have patched things up and Wilder hopes his roots can now build a bridge between the club and Blades fans who chanted ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ during the 5-0 capitulation at Burnley on Saturday.

‘There’s been a bit of a disconnect over the past couple of games between the players and the fans,’ said Wilder. ‘I’ve reminded the players what the work ethic is.’

Wilder was unsuccessful at his last two jobs with Middlesbrough and Watford, but says his relationship with Prince Abdullah has improved to such an extent that the Blades benefactor gave him a reference for several clubs in Europe, including Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Some of the Blades squad, such as Oliver Norwood, Chris Basham and George Baldock, played for Wilder when they wowed the league with their overlapping centre backs.

During his previous spell, Wilder guided the Blades from League One to the Premier League

Jurgen Klopp admitted Wednesday’s game against Wilder’s side has suddenly got harder

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a 100 per cent record against the new manager, but the German admits that Wednesday’s game at Bramall Lane has suddenly become a lot tougher.

‘We just want to win the game and that’s difficult with all these circumstances. If we win 1-0 then I am fine with that,’ said Klopp.

With goalkeeper Alisson and left back Andy Robertson already missing, Liverpool have suffered a further blow with Joel Matip ruled out for months rather than weeks with a knee injury.

The centre back, 32, came off during Sunday’s thrilling 4-3 win over Fulham and with his contract up next summer, will hope a scan is not as bad as feared.

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