Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder appears to have hit back at a criticism on talkSPORT that he employs “dinosaur management.”
Natalie Sawyer made the claim during her mid-morning show on the radio station following Wilder’s comments about Dean Henderson.
Henderson’s mistake against Liverpool at the weekend directly lead to the winning goal. The goalkeeper allowed a Georginio Wijnaldum shot to go through his legs in the 1-0 win.
After the match Wilder said he would not be consoling Henderson and the ‘keeper would have to cut out errors if he has ambitions of being the Manchester United and England number one.
Sawyer was critical of this approach from the 51-year-old, but he has defended his position.
“I know the players better than anybody. I know who to push and who not to,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.
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“Because of the environment we’re in the pressure is on and they have to accept it, handle it and get on with it. Some people might need a bit of help at times and I get that and they do.
“We’re tough with the boys but for the past three and a bit years we feel it works with this group and are going to continue doing it.”
Sheffield United boss can point talkSPORT to previous success
This isn’t the first time Wilder has taken this approach with Henderson. Last season the 22-year-old was also at fault for Leeds United’s winner at Bramall Lane.
At the time the two Yorkshire clubs were battling for promotion from the Championship. Wilder once again told Henderson publicly he had to improve.
The Blades went on an 18-game unbeaten run in the league after that. Henderson eventually secured more clean sheets than any other stopper in the division.
Wilder doesn’t always take the tough stance either, recently defending the negative treatment of David McGoldrick. Clearly he takes each case on its merit.
Wilder’s man management is known to be one of his strongest traits and it doesn’t take much research to realise that.