Blades must improve first-half defending - Wilder

Chris Wilder has overseen 18 wins from 28 Championship games in charge of Sheffield United this season

Sheffield United must tighten up their first-half performances as they continue their push for a return to the Premier League, boss Chris Wilder has said.

The Blades have conceded in the first half in six of their past seven games in all competitions - including Tuesday's win at Swansea City, when they came from behind to win 2-1.

Wilder's side are second in the Championship table and a point behind leaders Leeds United, however third-placed Burnley and fourth-placed Sunderland are two and four points behind respectively.

"We have got to be strong mentally, physically, tactically and technically to take those big moments," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"We can't afford many more of the first-half performances and I do understand that. I've said before, when you look back on a season, there's maybe 10 to 12 games where you're at it and on top and there's loads of games in between and some where you're not.

"Maybe the coaches and managers have to earn their money at half-time."

Wilder expects competitive league for rest of 2024-25

Only five points separate Leeds from Sunderland with 18 games of the season remaining.

Meanwhile, there are only eight points between fifth-placed Middlesbrough and 12th-placed Norwich City - something Wilder said is contributing towards a season where they must be on their game for the duration of the campaign.

"[There are] teams that have been in the Premier League that are finding it difficult to break into the top four," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"I'd be surprised if anybody breaks into the top four but that can happen. There's some good people underneath.

"You've got to compliment all teams over the past week in terms of the results that they've got and I think it'll continue right the way through."