Wilder Defends Phillips After Steel City Red Card

Wilder: “We’re Not Reckless” After Phillips Sees Red

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder insists his side are “not a reckless team” after Kalvin Phillips was sent off in Sunday’s dramatic Steel City derby.

Phillips’ dismissal for a mistimed follow-through on Sheffield Wednesday’s Svante Ingelsson shifted the momentum of the contest at Bramall Lane, as the Blades clung on for a 2-1 victory.

The red card — Phillips’ third across loan spells with West Ham, Ipswich and now United since January 2024 — means the midfielder will serve a three-match suspension.

Another Setback for Phillips

The 30-year-old former England international was making just his second league start for the Blades following his deadline-day loan move from Manchester City.

Since leaving Leeds United in 2022, Phillips has managed only 29 club starts — a stark contrast to his influential Championship form under Marcelo Bielsa.

Wilder acknowledged the challenge looked worse on replay.

“Once you slow it down it looks pretty bad,” he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

“Sometimes when you’ve not played a lot of football recently you can get it wrong.”

Phillips has struggled for consistent game time since his £45m move to Manchester City, with loan spells failing to reignite his career.

Wilder Backs His ‘Humble’ Midfielder

Kalvin Phillips was sent off in his second start for Sheffield United

Despite the dismissal, Wilder praised Phillips’ attitude and professionalism since arriving at Bramall Lane.

“He’s such a humble boy,” Wilder said.

“This is the first time we’ve seen him a bit down but he’ll get over it.”

The Blades boss suggested the lack of regular competitive football may have contributed to the rash challenge.

Phillips will now miss key fixtures, starting with Wednesday’s clash against Championship leaders Coventry City.

Discipline Concerns?

Phillips is the fifth Sheffield United player to receive a red card in 2026, raising questions about discipline.

However, Wilder dismissed any suggestion his side are reckless.

“I don’t think we’re a reckless team. A few boys have mistimed challenges and paid the price.”

The victory lifted United to 14th in the table, six points off the play-off places, keeping their promotion hopes alive despite recent turbulence.

For Phillips, though, it is another frustrating chapter in a career still searching for stability.