Boro boss Chris Wilder has spoken about his former side Sheffield United, who Sunderland will face on Wednesday Night. Blades gaffer Paul Heckingbottom also spoke about the transfer interest around their star man Sander Berge...
HECKINGBOTTOM ON BERGE
Sheffield United signed midfielder Sander Berge for £22 million back when they were in the Premier League. Following their relegation it was widely expected that Berge would leave, but the Blades have managed to keep hold of the Norwegian international. They've also knocked back several bids for Berge this summer and, after scoring twice in three games, Sunderland will come up against him on Wednesday at Brammall Lane. Here's what Heckingbottom said: “We’ve had interest and bids for players that we’ve knocked back. Everyone knows that’s been the case. That’s the message that has been sent out and I’m grateful for that. But if Sander’s form continues, then someone is going to come up with the number that I don’t want them to pay. He knows my thoughts on the matter, though.”
WILDER PRAISES BLADES
Middlesbrough drew 2-2 with Sheffield United at the weekend, and was full of praise for the opposition after the game. It's clear that they'll be aiming for a high finish this season, and Sunderland will have a very tough challenge to keep them at arm's length on Wednesday. Wilder claims that United are ready to 'rock and roll' this year:
"I right enjoyed it. I think they're outstanding, a really good side with proper support. They kept, apart from Rammers [Aaron Ramsdale], the side that went well for a season and they know their way around a football pitch. They were well coached before and well coached now. It was a proper game of football and we went toe to toe. When you see the teams who get touted at the start of the season, I don't know how we're in that. Some of the clubs coming down I think are maybe in a transitional period but Sheff United aren't in a transitional period. I think they're ready to ready to rock and roll and have some really good players. Look at the bench, Oli McBurnie and Rhian [Brewster] coming on, and the attitude of the group is really good. They're not milky or flaky. So for us to get off the canvas is really good for us. Paul will feel they could have won it, we felt like we could have won it. It was a really good game."
ALS are running buses to every away game this season as always, and there are still limited seats available for Wednesday's trip to Sheffield. CLICK HERE TO BOOK.
