CHRIS WILDER watched his blunted Blades head for the record that had been rusting in history.
For not since 1902 had a side failed to win a single top flight game in a season before New Year’s day.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder shows the strain after slipping to a 14th defeat in 16 Prem games, with just two points on the boardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Clarets mob Ben Mee after his goal helped lift them away from troubleCredit: AP:Associated Press
Aaron Ramsdale barely has time to look back as Ben Mee’s header beats himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But in their last clash of 2020 the vision was only of a nightmare repeat of the failure of Bolton 118 years ago.
Ben Mee’s header from a corner put the Clarets ahead in the 31st minute, leaving Sheffield United fighting desperately but in vain to add a third point to their measly total.
Things are only going from bad to worse or the manager who took the Blades from League One to the Prem in three glorious seasons.
For the club is also in the grip of a Covid crisis.
It is understood veterans Billy Steele and Phil Jagielka tested positive for the virus before the game.
There are 18 from the club – employees as well as players and backroom staff, who have been forced into isolation.
Yet Wilder insisted before kick-off that there had been no thoughts of trying to have the game postponed.
Ben Mee hails his 32nd-minute winner for Burnley against the hapless BladesCredit: PA:Press Association
Skipper Ben Mee powers the home side in front against Sheffield UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
He said: “ We have a couple of players missing through illness.
“We had a player who had to go and get tested this morning, a quick test.
“So it’s not ideal.
“But we want to pay football and we were not looking to get anything canned or whatever.”
Wilder describes his players as street fighters.
And last season they truly punched well above their weight.
But while Rhian Brwster and David McGodrick did force England goalkeeper Nick Pope into saves, the Sheffield side barely laid a glove on Burnley.
Sheffield United confirm several positive coronavirus tests just hours before Burnley game
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
