Why Sheffield United won't be throwing in their youngsters after latest defeat of season

A 2-0 defeat at home to Southampton leaves United still bottom of the table as they face up to relegation back to the Championship.

United’s third game in six days proved one too many as what Wilder described as a “tired” display, in both his players’ minds and bodies, resulted in a comfortable victory for the visitors.

John Lundstram who is out of contract in the summer and set to walk away for nothing, was the target of much frustration from United’s supporters after his display today, but United’s only other midfield options on the bench were left-footed Ben Osborn and teenagers Frankie Maguire and Iliman Ndiaye.

And, asked about his team selection for the clash with the Saints, Wilder admitted: “There’s a temptation to change it round at the top and maybe I got that wrong.

“There isn’t much option and the young kids aren’t ready to go on the pitch in that environment, they’re getting experience around professionals but they aren’t ready.

“The answer isn’t to stick them in. If it was the answer, I would.”

“It looked a game too far for us,” added Wilder, who had no complaints with Saints’ first-half penalty when Ethan Ampadu fouled Saints youngster Nathan Tella.

“I’m looking at it and thinking I could have made some changes but unfortunately I couldn’t, there weren’t too many options.

“We had to go with what we had. But we had some tired bodies and minds, especially second half.”

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