Paul Heckingbottom admitted that he is “surprised” by the drop in standards by United, in their defeat against Rotherham United in midweek.
Sheffield United had a perfect opportunity to get back to the top of the Championship with a victory at Bramall Lane in midweek, over South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United.
But the Blades started the game in a slow and sloppy fashion, and they continued that theme from start to finish. Local lad Ben Wiles fired the Millers into the lead, and in truth that lead was never really threatened by one of the league’s top-scoring sides.
United’s gaffer told The Star:
“That’s it, this division, right there. But we have to overcome that and become a team that doesn’t suffer as many dips.”
The Blades travel to South Wales on Saturday to face struggling Cardiff City, this is the last game before the world cup break, so, up and down the league everyone will be hoping for one last big push for 3pts.
Heckingbottom’s men have a slim chance of regaining the top spot on Saturday with a win – but only until Sunday midday, after surrendering it after the last international break.
Burnley faces Blackburn Rovers on Sunday midday, meaning even if the Blades win on Saturday against Cardiff, they will eventually drop off from the top of the table again.