Sheffield United will buy players on short-term deals in January window, says Wilder

The Blades surprised many last season when they finished ninth on their return to the top flight. But they are winless and rooted to the bottom of the table on two points from 15 games.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder called on his players to show their quality after the defeat at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United will add short-term reinforcements in the January transfer window as they bid to drag themselves out of a Premier League relegation battle, manager Chris Wilder said on Sunday.

The Blades surprised many last season when they finished ninth on their return to the top flight. But they are winless and rooted to the bottom of the table on two points from 15 games, 10 points adrift of safety, after Saturday's 1-0 home loss to Everton.

"We've spoken about bringing some short-term players in," Wilder said before his side's Tuesday trip to Burnley.

The 53-year-old called on his players to show their quality after the defeat at Bramall Lane.

"It's a huge gap to bridge at times. That can't always be done with enthusiasm," he added. "It has to be done at times, with the quality. Nevertheless, I still expect more quality from the players we've got."

Wilder said his side - the only one in the league still without a win - needs to fight for opportunities to win games.

"We've got nothing to lose because everybody looks at the position and say we're buried and done for," he said. "We might as well go for it, and that has been my message.

"There shouldn't be any pressure on us. People would not expect us to be in this position from where we were two or three years ago. We have to show strength of character."