Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder gives Oxford United verdict

The U’s were beaten 3-0 by Wilder’s Sheffield United side, who went to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table with the victory.

It was a third defeat on the bounce for United though, following losses against Watford and Middlesbrough, two other teams alongside the Blades that are firmly in the promotion race.

Wilder said his players’ attitude had to be right against the U’s, and to not be distracted by their huge clash at home to fellow title contenders Sunderland on Friday night.

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“It’s a dangerous game if you try to underestimate or shortcut anything, and we told the players that before,” said Wilder.

“It was important that we had a top attitude. I know it’s been a little bit of a difficult period, and the Championship is ruthless, and it can do what it’s doing at the moment, but the start for Oxford United has been a great start, which I should imagine Des [Buckingham] would’ve expected it to be.

“I thought the supporters were right behind the team right the way through, and they’ve got a good man in charge, and some determined players.

“Our attitude had to be spot on, and it was. We treated this game just as important as any game in this division.”

Wilder managed United between December 2008 and January 2014, guiding the club to promotion from the Conference in the 2010 play-offs, ending the club’s four-year exile in non-league football.

Speaking further on last night’s game at Bramall Lane, he said: “It wasn’t one-way traffic, but we controlled the majority of the play. Goals change games and change attitudes.

“When you get the first one, and you get the second one, it becomes a long, difficult night for our opponents.

“We managed to get the third one, which was really important because two is a really dangerous and difficult scoreline because of the attitude of the opponent.

“They get one, and they’ve got nothing to lose. The Watford game was just the same. I was watching that and thinking quite easily Oxford United could’ve got something from that game.

“You have to put teams to bed. We did, and we’re delighted, but knowing what Des has got, in terms of him and his coaching staff, and his players, they’ve got some good personalities and good characters.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before they get a win and get back up and running.”

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