Calvin Phillips has impressed behind the scenes at Sheffield United

sheffield united Boss Chris Wilder says the January signing has already impressed everyone behind the scenes at Bramall Lane.

Wilder delighted after Sheffield United deadline day

Wilder declared it had been a “wonderful 48-72 hours” at the club after deadline day arrival for former England midfielder Calvin PhillipsJoe Rothwell and Leo Hjelde scored in a 3-1 home win over Championship relegation side Oxford.

The Blades came from behind to beat Wilder’s former club Oxford, who took an early lead through Myles Peart-Harris.

But after Sidi Peck equalized for the Blades just before half-time, they looked likely to win again at home, with second-half goals from Andre Brooks and Chidozi Ogbene reducing the gap to the top six to eight points with 16 games remaining.

“It’s a huge win because (against) Leicester, Middlesbrough and Coventry, with full houses and all the expectation levels, those games really come naturally,” Wilder said.

“Those are really important to get results, and we’ve managed to do that.”

Oxford remains second from bottom, five points adrift of safety, and suffered its second defeat in five games under head coach Matt Bloomfield.

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He said: “We come to a big football club with a great team led by a top coach and I believe we have conceded three shots on goal and conceded three goals.

“(Saturday) (in the 2-0 home loss to Birmingham) we had three shots on target and conceded two goals. So every shot we take now is punished.

“We have to believe in what we’re doing and keep going.”

Phillips impressed behind the scenes at Bramall Lane

Phillips joined on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season to kick-start his career, which has declined sharply since joining City from Leeds United in 2022 for £45m.

He has failed to force his way into Guardiola’s first-team plans and is now hoping to revive his form after poor spells on loan at West Ham United and Ipswich Town over the past two seasons.

Wilder, whose side have won six of their last seven home games against Oxford to keep climbing up the table, said: “It’s been a good couple of days, getting the likes of Joe and Calvin and Leo through the building as well.

“Calvin doesn’t need any help. He’s had a brilliant career and I’m not going to be there to rub his head.

“I have to say he’s in good shape. He just needs to get into a rhythm, get his chances and he will do that, but maybe two, three or four games and get himself back into shape.

“His attitude has already impressed everyone, even though he’s only been in the building for 24 hours, and so has Joe. Both want to come and it’s a huge opportunity for our club. They both want to help.”