Sheffield United: Stefan Scougall credits Chris Wilder and Co. for Blades' turnaround

United go into Sunday’s FA Cup first-round tie against Leyton Orient at Bramall Lane unbeaten in 11 League One games, after kicking off their season with four defeats and a draw in their first five encounters.

And Scougall, who scored one and made the other as United secured an impressive victory over Milton Keynes Dons at Bramall Lane this weekend, paid tribute to Chris Wilder and his staff for instigating the turnaround.

“It’s come from the manager and the management team,” the 23-year-old Scot said.

“They’ve instilled belief in the boys, that we are good players. They’ve forged a really good team spirit in the camp. It also comes from training.

“We train at a high intensity. If we’re having an off day, he [Wilder] will immediately stop the session and tell us we need to lift things. All of the boys have bought into it.

“The confidence is flying through the squad. There’s be something strange, after 10 and now 11 games unbeaten, if it wasn’t. But it’s not just the lads who have been in the starting eleven for a while. The same goes for the lads who have stepped in. And I think you need that.”

Scougall, whose Bramall Lane contract expires at the end of the season, appeared destined to leave South Yorkshire last season but has found a new lease of life after the departure of Nigel Adkins.

“You never know what can happen,” he added.

“A few months ago I was out the door and then, all of a sudden, I’m staying.

“I’m happy at Sheffield United, the team are doing well and I’m just loving football again. I think I’m playing at my best. This is as good a spell I’ve had in my career.

“I’m playing mostly in the No.10 area or coming off the wing. It suits me down to a tee because that’s where I feel most comfortable.

“When I did play under Nigel Adkins, it was mostly used out wide and I’m not a winger. I’m not going to take the ball down the line and put a cross into the box. I’m more about coming inside and linking up behind the strikers.”