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Pundit disagrees with Chris Wilder's Leeds United assessment as Sheffield United chase top spot
As statements of intent go, Leeds United underlined their Championship title credentials with a thrilling win over Middlesbrough. Winger Daniel James was the star of the show once again at Elland Road last night.
The Wales international had a big part to play in all three goals as the three points moved the Whites back to the top of the Championship. It is now four goal contributions in James' past five outings.
“We know the quality he [James] has,” said centre-back Pascal Struijk. “I think at the moment he’s really playing to his strengths. He's a quality player, you can see with the clubs he was at before, and we’re just really happy he’s finding his form like this. [The attackers] put in the work and you see the results on the pitch. This season we have a little bit more rotation which gives players more freshness when they're called upon. The form he's in, I'm just happy he’s on our team.”
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Coming through another tough midweek test should give United plenty of confidence for the challenges that lie ahead. Their eye-catching victory against Boro came just days after Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder claimed Daniel Farke's men were "miles ahead" of his side. Victory for the Blades at Millwall tonight will see them replace Leeds at the summit.
Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff rubbished Wilder's claims, saying: “No, I wouldn’t say that at all. It’s good management in just trying to deflect a bit of that pressure and that heat.
“In terms of squad wise, they are the two strongest for me. I’d certainly say those are the two for me. With Leeds and the options they have got, particularly in those forward areas, they are certainly going to be a team that is there at the end of the season.”
Sheffield United are close to being taken over by a US consortium led by businessman Steve Rosen. Assuming the buyout goes through, the Whites' promotion rivals are expected to be active in the January transfer window.
