Sheffield United

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Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is adamant striker Rhian Brewster still has a bright future at Bramall Lane.

The 23 year-old, who signed for the club for over £20m in 2020, has scored just five goals for the Blades. The manager is still convinced we are yet to see the best of him at the Blades.

"One of my biggest bugbears is when people talk about Rhian," Wilder told the media before Sheffield United's match against Brighton.

"The price we paid for Rhian was reasonable for arguably for one of the best young number nines at the time. We did due diligence on his injuries and we wouldn't have spent that type of money if we felt he was going to have a load of injuries. Money is precious for us, and we have to make the majority of signings absolutely right.

"If people think that boy wants to come in at 8am and go home at 5pm and watch all of his mates kick a ball outside while he's on a rowing machine or getting physiotherapy, you haven't got a clue regarding what that boy is all about.

"He's suffered, he's been really unfortunate, but everyone is so positive about him. If you were picking a player amongst the staff that everyone wants to succeed here, it would be Rhian and we are all behind him 100%. Hopefully he gets a run and gets himself back to what he was doing, which was scoring goals and coveted by four or five clubs at the time.

"He's got to go and do it, I understand that there will be a question mark about him from outside Sheffield and even inside, and the only way he can do that is getting back playing football, scoring goals and contributing and fingers cross he'll be able to do that."

Chris Wilder has spoken to the media before Sheffield United's FA Cup match against Brighton on Saturday.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• Wilder provided an update on transfers: "We're close to getting a couple [players] in, fingers crossed they are happening. The big thing is when the window shuts we are in a better position than when the window opened and I believe we are now, and with players coming in."

• Wilder confirmed that goalkeeper Ivo Grbic is undergoing a medical, and Irish defender Sam Curtis is "in the building".

• Wilder also confirmed Ismaila Coulibaly is leaving the club on loan, but says there will be no more departures this window.

• On player fitness, Wilder said: "Tom Davis is close, not sure whether he'll be available for Crystal Palace. Rhys Norrington-Davies is available for the weekend. Max Lowe could be available for the Crystal Palace or Aston Villa games. They are working their way back diligently with the medical staff."

• Wilder says he "blames himself a bit" for Rhian Brewster's red card: "I wanted him to go and press, and he's got me shouting in his ear. He's gone for the ball and made an aggressive challenge. There was no malice in it, it was mistimed. I'm disappointed for the boy because he would have been involved in the next three games, he's been bright as a button in training and we're looking forward to working with him again."

• Wilder says he still sees Brewster has a bright future at Bramall lane: "One of my biggest bugbears when people talk about Rhian. The price we paid for Rhian was reasonable for arguably for one of the best young number nines at the time. He's been really unfortunate, but everyone is so positive about him. If you are picking a player among the staff that everyone wants to succeed here, it would be Rhian."

• On how much Tuesday's match against Crystal Palace will affect Saturday's selections, Wilder said: "At times we have made wholesale changes but there won't be for Saturday. We want to win that game and we understand how Brighton play. We are trying to find a way to open up their weaknesses as well."

• On his opponents, Wilder said: "They make some good decisions, but there's more to Brighton than that. I had a period down there and the club was rock bottom in the Fourth Division. It's climbed its way through and the owner deservers credit for that. It doesn't look like it's stopping at any particular moment."

• This is the third FA Cup tie between Sheffield United and Brighton. The Seagulls won the first one in the first round in 1921-22, while the Blades progressed in a third-round replay in 1986-87.

• Brighton are winless in seven games against Sheffield United (D3 L4, all in the league) since winning 2-1 at Bramall Lane in January 2005 in a Championship encounter.

• Sheffield United have progressed from each of their past four FA Cup fourth-round ties since losing in a replay to Preston in 2014-15.

• Under Roberto de Zerbi, Brighton are averaging 2.8 goals per game in the FA Cup (17 in six games), netting at least four goals in three of six games under the Italian. The Seagulls have won all three away games in the FA Cup since he took charge, their joint-longest away winning run in the competition, along with a three-game run ending in December 1932.

• Pascal Gross has been involved in five goals in his past six FA Cup appearances (one goal, four assists), assisting two of Brighton's four goals in the third round against Stoke City.

Image source, PA Media

Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin, writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter:

West Ham were a whisker away from putting themselves in a very secure sixth spot in the Premier League, before conceding a controversial 103rd-minute penalty equaliser to Sheffield United.

What would have been a five-point gap between the Hammers and Manchester United is now only three, but it is still very impressive, not that David Moyes will have thought that at the final whistle.

For their part, suddenly Sheffield United have taken a leap forward in their play, and were the better side for large periods against a top-six side.

They are still the most likely to be relegated - even if Chris Wilder has roused them a bit - but they will take some unexpected points from some big teams if they continue to play like this.

Sheffield United may make a move for 27-year-old Nottingham Forest centre-back Joe Worrall. They have also registered an interest in fellow English defender Mason Holgate as a possible loan signing from Everton. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, the Blades are close to completing a £2m deal for 28-year-old Atletico Madrid and Croatia goalkeeper Ivo Grbic. (Mail), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Ben Meakin, BladesPod, external

Praise is due for both United and Brighton this week, as the two clubs agreed on some competitive - arguably downright cheap – ticket pricing for the forthcoming FA Cup tie. Saturday’s match between two Premier League clubs will cost fans no more than £15 a head.

Last weekend, the Blades played their first home game since Boxing Day – almost a full four weeks ago – so another match at Bramall Lane for a relatively low price is very, very welcome indeed. The fact it is a rare Saturday 3pm kick-off is a bonus: our next one is not until the start of March, and as that is the visit of Arsenal, there is every chance it will get moved.

I get there is supply-and-demand at play here, but clearly the clubs could have charged a lot more for this one. Of the other all-Premier League ties, Chelsea v Aston Villa is £38, Spurs v Manchester City is £35, Everton v Luton is £25. Fulham v Newcastle goes as high as £50… more than three times the cost of United’s fixture.

Given that a ticket to a Blades’ Premier League game this season costs a sizeable amount – the cheapest adult entry for our next home match, against Aston Villa, costs £36 for example – this is an excellent gesture by the two clubs and will hopefully see an open, entertaining game to go with it.

Former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba spoke to the Blades Heaven podcast after Sheffield United's 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday: "I think it's one of the best ones [games] we've played with the ball, patterns of play and players interacting with one another with the ball. I think we were really good and deserved more first half.

"The second half was a bit more laboured, the energy went and we changed the style of play. The one thing that sticks out is the courage and 'never say die'. It was going against us but they stuck in there.

"The manager is going to be bitterly disappointed and see it as two points dropped. We were the better team, we played very well and you're playing against not the strongest West Ham team. There's plus points to take from it and the boys have got to draw confidence.

"The way they played, their understanding game by game of the way the manager wants them to play and how well they can play - it's chalk and cheese the way they are going about their business at the moment."

On Andre Brooks, Asaba added: "The one word is outstanding. He's running so hard and getting back for his team. When the ball is at his feet, he looks like he's played 200 Premier League games. He is looking so accomplished, he was the best bit for me. I was upset he came off!"

Listen to the full Blades Heaven episode here

We asked you for your thoughts on Sunday's match between Sheffield United and West Ham United.

Here are some of your comments:

Sheff Utd fans

Andy: Great battling performance today. On that showing, we're probably too good to go down, but unfortunately lack of investment from the board in the close season means we will.

Rick: Since Chris Wilder first came back through the door, the Blades aren't playing or looking like a relegation side. If we go down, you know we'll go down battling and be a strong side next season.

Paul: It would have been harsh on the Blades to come away from that performance with a defeat. Controlled most of the game with a team costing a fraction of West Ham's, but need to be more clinical in front of goal.

Green: Definitely deserved a point and a great performance from the Blades. If we keep going like this, then who knows.

West Ham fans

Gavin: Absolutely gutted. Firstly, how is that a penalty for Sheffield United? And secondly, how has the referee not seen the foul on Bowen? Typical West Ham not being able to see it out. On the plus side, Danny Ings was half decent.

Trev: West Ham have been robbed. Should have been a penalty for the Hammers in the dying seconds when Bowen was blatantly rugby tackled to the ground in the Sheffield United box. Where was VAR?

John: After struggling to beat the team in bottom place it is clear that changes are needed. No strength in depth and too many players the wrong side of 30 - Cresswell, Antonio, Ings, Coufal, Fabianski and Areola. Not sure where the new players would come from but some serious work needed over the summer if we are to maintain any progress.

Mick: I've been critical of David Moyes, but the players let him down today no question, except Ings. First half our passing was atrocious. The indiscipline and errors continued second half but we got the penalty and they got a red card. But, the players let the win slip away. Not good enough, no killer instinct.

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has been discussing why Everton are looking to sell defender Ben Godfrey and why the 26-year-old might be looking for a move away from Goodison Park himself, on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast: "What a wonderful choice dilemma this is for that young man. He's got the choice where he can go to AC Milan and play for one of the most glamorous clubs in Italy, live in Milan, and play for some of the most passionate supporters in Europe. However, some of that is wishful thinking.

"His second choice is a team struggling against relegation but showing a bit of fight. He wouldn't have to move very far from Merseyside to Yorkshire. They are a good side and have Chris Wilder who has been allowed to strengthen his squad. He wants to bolster his backline as well and they are going to have a fighting chance of staying up this season, particularly if Nottingham Forest and Everton are docked points.

"Or do you go to Leeds United? One of the great football clubs. They are a one-club city who are going really well in the Championship. They aren't guaranteed promotion, but Godfrey can take part in a promotion campaign. However, it also runs the risk of playing for a Championship club.

"So there are three options there. I would choose AC Milan all day every day. But I have a feeling this will come to a straight shootout between Sheffield United and Leeds United.

"It's one of those debates which you can put yourself into as a football fan. These are three very different clubs, very different parameters, expectations and situations. I think it's a brilliant three-way choice."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Former Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie believes Sheffield United escaping the bottom three in the Premier League is "still doable" if they start to convert draws into wins.

The Blades showed character to battle back from a goal down twice to secure a 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday but are still seven points from safety.

"If you look at the table, they're still bottom but there's six points between them and Luton," Dowie told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"The big thing for Sheffield United now is making these draws become wins.

"That's what potentially Burnley and Luton have done.

"That's a massive character boost, West Ham are in great form, having a really good season. They could easily have thrown it in but they came away with a really important point.

"They'll still believe they can get out of this bottom three and I think it is still doable but they have to start getting wins on the board. They can't keep getting draws it has to become three points."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's two Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Sunday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full on BBC Sounds:

• Sheffield United v West Ham United

• Bournemouth v Liverpool

Sheffield United and Leeds United are interested in Everton defender Ben Godfrey, but the 26-year-old could also be an option for Serie A side AC Milan. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rindl, BBC Sport

Despite scoring their late leveller, Sheffield United still remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, seven points off safety.

No team has ever survived with fewer points in the Premier League at this stage of the season, but there were plenty of reasons to be cheerful for Blades supporters.

Villarreal loannee Ben Brereton Diaz, playing in his second match for the hosts, scored his first goal in 29 games for club and country.

Meanwhile, Oli McBurnie's late equaliser helped the substitute become the first Blades player to score in four consecutive home top-flight matches.

"I think we deserved a result today," Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told BBC Match of the Day. "Not just from our attitude but from our play as well."

Going forward, Wilder's side are capable of finding the net. Defensively though, problems still exist.

After Maxwel Cornet's opener they became only the third team to concede 50 goals after 21 games or fewer in a Premier League campaign, emulating Barnsley in 1997-98 and West Brom in 2020-21.

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Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder talking to TNT Sports: "That is the least we deserved, I thought we were really good. My side has character, resilience and a bit of bottle.

"We have to bridge the gap and we have some good players. We had to go more direct at points but we were more than that today.

"I felt we had control of the game and for Ben to get a goal, he will be an asset for us. It has been a decent day for us.

"David Moyes will say he has had decisions go against him but I don't think that should have been a red card for Brewster. Their keeper makes an unbelievably rash decision to come out and we get rewards."

• This was the first Premier League game since Boxing Day 2007 between Chelsea and Aston Villa to have both sides see at least one player sent off and both sides receive at least one penalty each.

• Oli McBurnie's equalising penalty for Sheffield United (102:07) was the latest goal scored on record in the Premier League (since 2006-07).

• Since losing to Nottingham Forest in August 2022, West Ham are unbeaten in their past nine Premier League matches against newly promoted sides (W8 D1).

• James Ward-Prowse has now registered at least 10 goal involvements in each of his past four Premier League seasons, scoring four goals and assisting six for West Ham in 2023-24. Of players with 50+ goals in the competition, he has the highest proportion via direct free kicks (17) and penalties (14) at 58% (31/53).

• Ben Brereton Diaz was the third different debutant to score for Sheffield United in the league this season, alongside Gustavo Hamer and Cameron Archer. The Blades had only had five different debutants score in their five previous Premier League campaigns before 2023-24.

• Rhian Brewster (23y 295d) is the second-youngest player to be sent off for Sheffield United in the Premier League, behind only David Tuttle against Southampton in October 1993 (21y 122d).

Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie scored a 103rd-minute penalty to rescue a point for the Premier League's bottom side against West Ham United.

Sheffield United were awarded the spot-kick in the 98th minute when Hammers keeper Alphonse Areola took out McBurnie.

And having been made to wait to take his spot-kick, the forward smashed his effort beyond substitute stopper Lukasz Fabianski with Areola forced to leave the pitch after receiving treatment.

West Ham had been cruising towards a 2-1 victory after James Ward-Prowse's successful penalty in the 79th minute.

Maxwel Cornet had given the Hammers a first-half lead with his first goal for the club before Ben Brereton Diaz equalised on the stroke of half-time on his Premier League debut.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from home?

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Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary of Sheff Utd v West Ham and Bournemouth v Liverpool

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Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

The winter break means the current set of fixtures are staggered over a two-week period. For part two of week 21, he takes on singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan JayO.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder decided not to take his squad to warmer climes during their winter break, and his message to his players is that only hard graft will get them out of trouble now.

The Blades are bottom of the Premier League and eight points adrift of safety, so they have got a heck of a lot of work to do.

Their schedule last month meant Wilder did not get much time on the training pitch with his players after taking charge at the start of December, so at least he has had a chance to do that in the past couple of weeks.

It will be interesting to see what difference it makes, because their position means they need results quickly.

They are the lowest scorers in the top flight so they also need goals, which is why they have brought in Ben Brereton Diaz on loan from Villarreal, but it's going to be hard for them to break West Ham down.

The Hammers will be smarting after Tuesday's FA Cup defeat to Bristol City but they did make a few changes for that game, and I just don't see them being beaten again here.

Neither side have a possession-based style of play, so they won't particularly want the ball. It is going to be tight, and it's got draw written all over it.

JayO's prediction: 0-3

Get the full list of predictions