Derby County Boss John Eustace Delivers Sheffield United Verdict After Injury Blow to Former Blades Target
Derby County manager John Eustace knows exactly how tough this weekend’s challenge will be as his in-form Rams travel to face Sheffield United, despite the Blades’ difficult start to the campaign.
United will begin the weekend sitting in the bottom three following last Friday’s defeat to Preston North End, but Eustace insists their quality — and the influence of returning boss Chris Wilder — make them a dangerous opponent.
Since Wilder’s return to his boyhood club, there have been promising signs of recovery at Bramall Lane. Even in their 3-2 defeat at Deepdale, United showed flashes of their potential, dominating the first half-hour before letting the game slip away. Prior to that, consecutive victories over Watford and Blackburn Rovers had lifted the mood among supporters.
Derby, however, head into the clash in good form themselves, chasing a third consecutive win and full of belief.
“They’ve had a slow start, but they’ve got a fantastic squad of players,” Eustace said. “They’ve got a top manager who knows the level inside out and has been very successful. We know it’s going to be a really difficult game — but it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”
Eustace will be without Liverpool loanee Owen Beck for the trip to Bramall Lane and is also short at right-back following confirmation that Max Johnston — a player Sheffield United were linked with before he swapped Sturm Graz for Pride Park — will be sidelined until around Christmas.
“It’s better than we initially thought,” Eustace explained. “He’ll be out for between six and eight weeks, which could have been a lot worse. He’ll be a big miss for us because his development and attitude have been first class. He’s been improving every week, and while he’ll have to take a short break now, he’ll come back stronger.”
One familiar face making the trip to South Yorkshire is Rhian Brewster, who departed Sheffield United in the summer after his contract expired. Signed by Wilder in 2020 for a club-record fee, Brewster endured a frustrating spell at Bramall Lane due to injuries but remained a popular figure — particularly after scoring the winner in last season’s Steel City derby at Hillsborough. The forward is expected to receive a warm reception from Blades fans on his return, at least until the match begins.
Eustace believes Derby’s recent momentum will be crucial heading into such a challenging fixture.
“When you’re winning games, it breeds confidence,” he said. “I’ve always said there’ll be bumps in the road, and we’ve certainly had that, but the players’ attitude has been outstanding. This is a fantastic group to work with. Everyone here is focused on building the football club, and if we keep believing in the process, we’ll continue to grow and get better as the season goes on.”
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