Chris Wilder couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season for his Sheffield United side; 12 games into their league campaign, the Blades occupy top spot in the Championship. 

United are have won their previous four games, and have lost just one of their last ten games, and look to be the real deal for promotion this term.

The club have made a rapid rise to the top, after only being promoted from League One two seasons ago, and after only just missing out on promotion last season, they are looking to go one further this season.

With an international break now on the horizon, this gives Wilder a fortnight or so to not only prepare for a crunch match away to Derby County, but also to reflect on what has been, on the whole, a magnificent month for the Yorkshire club.

With that being said, here, we take a look at a three things Wilder will be mulling over about the Blades during the break...

David McGoldrick have netted 12 goals in 12 appearances between them this season, which is a fantastic goalscoring record considering that they are 30 and 32 years of age respectively.

With 33-year old Leon Clarke waiting in the wings, and Conor Washington seemingly not getting a look-in at Bramall Lane, can the Blades rely on the duo for the remainder of the season?

Or alternatively, should they go in for another striker in January? Scott Hogan is a player that was incredibly close to signing in January, so should they go back in for him?

The Blades have recently been linked with the signature of Livingston captain Craig Halkett, who is also attracting interest from Blackburn Rovers and Rangers.

The 23-year old has been tremendous for the Scottish Premier League side, but is there better options out there on a free transfer?

Robert Huth and James Collins are a couple of players still available on a free transfer following their release from Leicester City and West Ham United respectively, and if the Blades really are on a search for a centre-half, then perhaps they should go in for one of the experienced duo instead.

If the Blades really are on the hunt for a defender, then where does that leave fringe players such as Jake Wright and Kean Bryan?

The inspired form of Jack O'Connell, John Egan and Richard Stearman have kept the defensive duo out of the team - the pair are yet to make an appearance this season which is partly down to injury, but they are unlikely to break into the first team this season.

Maybe the Blades should cash in on the duo, in order to raise funds for a January spending spree.