'I think Sheffield United are getting me at my best'

Chris Wilder said he is "more enthusiastic and more determined then ever" and that Sheffield United are getting the best version of him following his return as manager.

Wilder does not believe in the narrative that managers should never go back to a former club and is embracing the challenge ahead.

"I'm going to give it my all," he said. "I'm more enthusiastic and more determined than I have ever been in my life and I think Sheffield United are getting me at my best.

"You have to feel the failure and pain to make you better and I certainly have. I'm not arrogant enough to know there is a hell of a lot of work to be put in and we have to earn the trust of the players and supporters back. This is a huge challenge, I am rubbing my hands together."

Wilder said his relationship with club owner Prince Abdullah has been repaired and also highlighted how important Blades fans are going to be in the fight for survival.

"A lot of things go off without people knowing what's gone off," he said. "Shortly after I left, I received messages from Prince Abdullah wishing me [well] and even as a reference for future jobs [such as at Fenerbahce]. That shows what Prince Abdullah has been about.

"We've created some great memories [here]. We know there's an opportunity. We have the tags of underdogs. We know the narrative. We pick up papers and read stuff. Only we can change that narrative. We are going to try to do it for us and this football club.

"I think the Covid season affected us more than any other club. The fans were turning losses into draws and draws into wins."