Chris Wilder voice out Sheffield United’s big ambition but flags major momentum hurdle for next season

Sheffield United boosted their hopes of a top-half finish with a 2-0 victory over Watford on Saturday, and Chris Wilder is now urging his players to push even higher before the season ends.

The Blades returned to winning ways in style at Vicarage Road, with Patrick Bamford netting twice after the break to seal all three points.

It marked the first time in two months that United have recorded back-to-back wins, with Wilder’s side producing a strong performance and fully meriting the result.

The win saw Sheffield United move above Watford and climb to 12th in the Championship standings. Results elsewhere also worked in their favour, as Bristol City and QPR both suffered defeats, leaving the Blades just one point adrift of the top ten.

While promotion was the aim at the start of the campaign, a difficult opening spell  which included eight defeats in their first ten matches left them with ground to make up. Given that context, a top-ten finish would now represent a solid end to the season.

With three matches remaining, Wilder is determined for his side to finish as strongly as possible. United host Blackburn Rovers next at Bramall Lane before also facing Derby County, and the manager believes there is still plenty to play for.

He acknowledged the team must accept where they are this season but insisted there is still motivation to end on a high.

Wilder wants his players to build momentum heading into the next campaign by climbing further up the table, stressing that the gap to the teams above is small and within reach if they take their chances in the remaining games.