Former Blades manager Neil Warnock has had his say on who he believes will triumph in the upcoming Championship clash between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.
The Blades travel to Hillsborough on Sunday to face their arch rivals, and self-confessed United fan Warnock believes it will be an incredibly difficult task to predict how the game will pan out.
Warnock, who now manages high-flying Cardiff City, has faced both Sheffield sides so far this season – most recently drawing 1-1 with Wednesday last weekend.
The 68-year-old admits he will be rooting for United, but says the game promises to be a fabulous encounter as always.
“I could tell you about Wednesday and I could tell you about United but, you know, when that whistle goes next week that will go all out of the window,” Warnock told The Star after his side’s draw with the Owls last weekend.
“Nowt to do with how they play, how they look, what they do, nothing at all. It’s who wants it more on the day.”
“First and foremost it’s effort but I still think it’ll be a good game. It’ll not be for the purists, even though it’s two sides that play football. United can play as well.”
Warnock managed Sheffield United for 8 years, taking the Blades into the Premier League at the peak of his tenure at the club. He recently admitted he loves facing Wednesday as a manager, and that’s no surprise considering his brilliant record against the Owls – who have not beaten a side managed by Neil Warnock away from home in over 26 years.
“It’s always fabulous,” he said.
“They all talk about Liverpool and the Old Firm and all the others but I don’t think you can beat it. “I was trying my hardest to get there but we’ve got Leeds on the Tuesday, so we’ll probably be training. It’s a bit unlucky really but I’d love to be there.”
“It’s a special time,” added Warnock. “I can still see me jumping into Shaun Murphy’s arms on one of the pictures and Michael Brown’s thunderbolt. Some special moments at Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United and I’m pleased because United have been in the doldrums a lot of years.”
“Chris Wilder has not only turned the corner but stabilised the club and they’re a good side.”
“Obviously I’ll be rooting for them but I think it’ll be a good game.”