'The one thing they need to do is stick together'

Chris Wilder applauds Sheffield United fansImage source, PA Media
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Former Hull defender Alex Bruce saw positives from Sheffield United in Chris Wilder's first game back as Blades manager, albeit they were on the wrong end of the 2-0 scoreline.

He told the BBC's Football Daily podcast: "They kept the low block, they tried to frustrate Liverpool the best they can and hit them on the counter.

"When you burst forward and the ball changes hands, you need to find that bit of quality to find the pass and set the attacking players away. When they did that, they just didn't have that bit of quality to find the shot on goal, and when they did, they didn't work [Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin] Kelleher all night."

United remain four points from safety as a result of their 12th defeat in 15 Premier League games this season.

"No matter who is in the dugout, no disrespect to the players Sheffield United have got, it was always going to be a tall order and it's going to be a tough season for them," added Bruce.

"The one thing they need to do is stick together. If they're going to mount any kind of challenge to stay in this league, they need to try to make Bramall Lane a fortress and pick up points here.

"If Chris can implement a defensive shape that is going to make them difficult to beat, try to find a goal up the top end of the pitch, I'm sure that's what Chris is going to look towards doing."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

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