​“One of the Best Pre-Seasons” – Chris Wilder Makes Sheffield United Admission As Birmingham Clash ApproachesSheffield United welcome Birmingham City to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon as the Blades finally get their 2026/27 Championship campaign underway.Chris Wilder’s side will be determined to make a far better start than they did 12 months ago under Ruben Selles, when United suffered a disastrous 4-1 defeat against Bristol City on the opening day.That result proved to be an early warning sign of what was to come under Ruben Selles. The Spanish manager oversaw defeats in each of his next four league matches before his brief reign came to an end following a humiliating 5-0 loss away at Ipswich Town.Wilder was subsequently brought back for a third spell at the helm, but while there were plenty of encouraging signs in attack, consistency remained a major problem throughout the campaign.United ultimately finished 13th in the Championship, leaving them with plenty to improve upon heading into a new season.United will begin the new campaign without Gustavo Hamer, with the Dutch playmaker having completed his return to Coventry City in a deal worth a reported £6 million plus add-ons.His departure leaves a significant hole in Wilder’s squad, but the Blades have already moved to strengthen the midfield area with the season-long loan signing of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.Phillips returns to Bramall Lane after a short spell with United earlier this year and Wilder is confident the experienced midfielder can rediscover his best form in South Yorkshire.Sheffield United Boss on Recent Transfer ActivitySpeaking ahead of Saturday’s opener in his pre-match press conference, Wilder admitted Hamer’s departure was inevitable but insisted United must now focus on what they can control.“I wish Gus all the best, I enjoyed working with him,” Wilder said. “It was always inevitable that what would happen happened. We go onto what we can control and what players we can bring in and I’m obviously delighted to bring in Kalvin.”Wilder also explained that Phillips’ arrival made financial sense for the club, while acknowledging the midfielder’s injury history.“The deal suits us financially, and the player suits us culturally. We understand his injury record, but there’s provisions put in there contractually. It doesn’t harm the football club, and he deserves a bit of luck along the way.“We’ve brought in a midfield player that if we get him up to speed he will be arguably the best midfield player in the division.”Can Phillips Reach His Best Again?Phillips endured a difficult period with injuries and limited game time in recent seasons, but Wilder believes there is no reason why the 30-year-old cannot return to his previous levels.“Yeah why not,” Wilder said. “You look at players now, at 29, 30, they’ve not got two or three years left. You look at the way they look after themselves, the scientific nature of the