Chris Wilder is gearing up his Sheffield United side for a trip to face out-of-form Manchester United.
The Blades sit rock-bottom of the Premier League table on just 16 points, having lost 23 matches upon their return to the top flight this term.
There may be some belief amongst the Yorkshire side’s camp that they can take something from United, though, as Erik ten Hag’s men are currently on a four-game winless streak in the league. On Sunday, they were taken to penalties by Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.
While the three points that are up for grabs will be at the front of everyone’s minds first and foremost, the fixture will certainly mark a special occasion for Harry Maguire.
Assuming the centre-half is fit to feature, given his recent injury woes, he’ll line up against the team he started his career with. Indeed, the Sheffield-born star came through the ranks with the Blades before being promoted to the senior squad in 2011.
Maguire went on to make 166 appearances for his boyhood club, spending three years as an integral starter at Bramall Lane before joining Hull City in 2014. He was named their Player of the Year for three successive seasons.
Blades boss heaps praise on Maguire
Wilder couldn’t speak highly enough of the former Reds captain ahead of tomorrow’s clash. He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “Outstanding. We’ve all seen his progression, and we’re delighted for him. He hasn’t had it easy. When you move to a club like Man United there are a lot of advantages but also an awful lot of pressure put on you, and he’s had to endure some tough times – as we all have, as we are now – he’s done that at club and international level but the way he handles himself is first class.
“He’s a humble guy, he’s worked hard to get where he is, and he’s an absolute shoo-in for an England team looking to win a major honour. And we have a boy from just down the road that’s right in the middle of it. We’ll have a shake of a hand after, but before that, it’s game on. And he’ll understand that just as much as anyone else.”
