Sheffield United: Chris Wilder pays his team the ultimate compliment

Wilder made the admission after United entered the international break fourth in the Championship table, having attracted numerous plaudits for their attacking style and quality of play.

Despite acknowledging they will ultimately be judged on results, Wilder said: "I've told the players I'm delighted with their progression. We have a way of playing, we don't change it and I'm delighted with how we are going about things.

"I enjoy watching them and, even if I wasn't doing what I'm doing, I'd still enjoy coming to watch them. It's not just the attitude they've got and the desire they've shown, it's the way they want to take it to the opposition, no matter who they are."

United embellished their reputation for being one of the division's most entertaining sides during the derby against Sheffield Wednesday, mustering nearly three times as many shots on goal as the visitors from Hillsborough and enjoying 75 per cent of the possession. 

Although the contest eventually finished in stalemate after United missed a first-half penalty, Wilder believed his team had scored a psychological victory in the battle for Steel City supremacy.

"If I was watching these lads from somewhere other than the technical area, then I'd really enjoy how they do it," he said. "They're enjoying themselves on the pitch and I think that's important. They believe in what they're doing.

"Players aren't daft. They know when they've played well."