Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Sheffield United: Blades coach Chris Wilder says the team can determine the direction of the season

United have had a record start to the season – in an undesirable sense.

No team in the history of the second division has seen a greater drop in points through the first 15 games of a season than their massive 23-point deficit from last season.

The Blades had collected 33 points by this point last season, but started Sunday’s derby with just 10 points.

They have lost 11 league games already, one more than the whole of last season.

Since the Football League was renamed in 2004, no team has managed to finish above 14th after winning just 10 points from 15 matches.

Last season’s Championship player Gustavo Hammer returned from injury to feature as a late substitute at Hillsborough, while former Leeds striker Patrick Bamford made his debut after joining last week – and Wilder is pleased his squad is getting stronger.

“From my point of view, the level of training of Joss and Olly Arblaster [who has been out for a year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury] “And Chung’s presence there is key,” he said.

“Having one of the best players in the division back among us is a big boost. If we can keep everyone fit and healthy, I’d like to think we’ll have more days like today.”

Tougher tests lie ahead, starting with Portsmouth’s visit to Bramall Lane on Wednesday, but with players returning to fitness, a turn in fortunes is not out of the question for a team that won by 92 points last season.