Chris Wilder rips into Sheffield United players and it causes a stir online

Chris Wilder believes a lot of his perceived backup players have lost his trust after Sheffield United were beaten in the EFL Cup by Fleetwood Town

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder said some of his players have lost his "trust" after his side were dumped out of the EFL Cup by Fleetwood Town in a third-round shock.

The League Two outfit have made the fourth round for the first time in history, after a second-half own goal from Rhys Norrington-Davies proved the difference at Highbury. Matt Lawlor's side will take on Premier League champions Arsenal.

Losing out on the prospect of a glamour tie in the Round of 16 wasn't on the mind of Wilder, after the game, though, who cut a frustrated figure.

Chris Wilder admits Sheffield United let down the travelling support in Fleetwood Town defeat

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The Blades boss made seven changes to the side that lost 1-0 late on against Wolves on Sunday, with goalkeeper Michael Cooper, centre-halves Japhet Tananga and Mark McGuinness and midfielder Oli Arblaster keeping their places.

It was a big opportunity for some of the backup players to stake a claim to be involved in league action, but Chris Wilder ended up coming out of the game with more clarity on who he can trust going forward.

"This will take a bit to get over for me, personally," Wilder said, per the Sheffield Star. "We don't want to get criticised. We don’t want to get abused. But we have to accept it because we've sold out and we've let everybody down.

"I'm not going to get over this easily. And the players out there are part of it. A lot of players had an opportunity to take a big step forward tonight, and they took a big step back. I've seen it, and it has given me clarity.

"These are the ones that really sort the men out from the boys. And I think there were a lot of boy performances out there after half-time. So maybe players know better and want to go their own way."

While the first-half performance was fine at Highbury, the second half wasn't good enough from the Sheffield United boss' perspective. He didn't single out players, but accused some of veering away from the game plan after the break.

"It has given me so much clarity. In who I can trust, and who’s going to take us forward. And who’s got a lot to do to get themselves back on side and on track with me," he continued.

"Players just did what they wanted instead of sticking with the plan. That doesn't go unnoticed. I see everything. Ultimately, I have to take that responsibility, which I'm big enough to do. But I can't stand here and defend the players. Some players just didn't do enough, and that will stay with me for quite a long time.

"They're going to have to do a lot to drag that back. I think, as I said, the clarity that I get from it is who I can trust and who is here 24/7 for us."

Sheffield United fans react to Chris Wilder's outburst following Fleetwood Town defeat

Sheffield United fans were understandably upset and frustrated after their defeat against Fleetwood, and while they expressed disappointment at the players, they don't feel that Wilder is without blame, either.

The Blades arguably deserved to lose the game, or at least didn't do enough to win it. After going behind in the 57th minute, the Championship outfit only had six shots against the League Two club.

"It’s the formation that’s the issue. It’s about as attacking as a wet mop," a Sheffield United fan said on X in response to Wilder's interview.

"A team is only as good as its manager! One of the worst performances I’ve seen in 40 years," another added, while a third commented, "Love how fans give Wilder a free pass. He picks the side, coaches the side daily and is responsible for getting the best out of them. He is incapable of doing this. Always happy to pass the blame rather than admit any responsibility. Get Warnock back till the End of the season."

"These are HIS players. Players he signed. Hes got to take majority of the blame here," and "Passing the buck once again. Everyone’s fault but his. It’s becoming boring now," were also among the comments.

There were some fans in support of Chris Wilder's views, but it was quite the minority opinion on X.

"Criticise him all you want, but he says it as it is. Made no excuses and said we weren’t good enough. Let’s see what happens on Saturday. UTB ⚔️," was also commented.

Sheffield United have to bounce back quickly from disappointing cup exit

As is always the case when a side suffers a shock exit from a cup competition against a side a couple of divisions below them, the mood at Sheffield United isn't high at all.

And with a three-week international break on the horizon, no side wants to be dwelling on defeats over a lengthy period without games. The Blades have an opportunity to end the first segment of the campaign with a win at a resurgent Stoke City on Saturday.

A win for Wilder's side will likely see them in the top half for the break, while a defeat would leave them with just nine points from eight games and firmly in the bottom half.