24 December 2023 , 16:47
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Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been left furious after finding out that his starting XI is getting leaked - a situation he has branded an "absolute joke".
According to the Daily Mail, the Sheffield United side has been leaked in messages shared on WhatsApp on the morning of matches before being officially released on social media. This has enraged Wilder, who is adamant the guilty party will pay the consequences.
The Blades are back in action on Boxing Day after their impressive 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, when they face Luton in a crunch clash at Bramall Lane. Speaking ahead of that game, Wilder said: "I think it's a joke (team leaks). Whoever did it, they've got another thing coming because they're harming the football club."
Jayden Bogle will serve a one-match ban and miss Tuesday's game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during the stalemate at Villa Park. Wilder was quizzed about Bogle's absence and issued an angry reply: "Everybody will know the team (for Boxing Day) anyway because it will come out on Twitter at about half 10 in the morning. I will comment on it.
"It's quite difficult to keep the team quiet but I'm not happy about that situation. Whoever did it, I appreciate that. Thanks very much. I'm going to have to tighten everything up around the training ground. It's a lesson learnt for me as well. That person who did it. Call yourself a Sheffield United fan? I don't think they are. It's an absolute joke."
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The Blades head into Tuesday's game against Luton off the back of a well-earned point against Villa, who had won 15 successive home Premier League matches prior to Friday's encounter. Cameron Archer had given Sheffield United the lead against his former club, before Nicolo Zaniolo levelled deep into stoppage-time.
Sheffield United's Cameron Archer scored against former club Aston Villa on Friday (Getty Images)Despite the late setback, Wilder was pleased with his side's performance. "Being greedy, and the manner of their goal as well, [I wanted three points] but we'd have definitely have settled for a point before the game," he told Match of the Day. "They've not really opened us up, we lost it in the build-up and allowed the boy to drift into the box.
"We're disappointed with the manner of the goal because you get so close and you have to put in so much effort. To give it up at the death is disappointing. You're learning about these players who are going into the Lion's Den on a Friday night against Villa who can go top of the league. We've had players out and selection isn't easy.
"We changed the shape, we tried to make it difficult and uncomfortable which we had to. I thought Cameron Archer was outstanding. I said to the players, the amount of coaching sessions we've had, we will be better.
"The more work we do on the training ground. It's a team that has been put together very quickly in the summer. There's plenty to work with with the players and this result gives me great hope."