As we approach the halfway point of the Sky Bet Championship campaign, Chris Wilder can be left very pleased with Sheffield United's season so far.

The Blades, thus far, are doing what was expected of them - to kick on from their position outside of the play-offs last term and launch an assault on the promotion places.

And, after losing just one of their last five games, Wilder's men are in the ideal position to do just that - United currently sit third in the Sky Bet Championship table, five points off Leeds United, who occupy second.

The winter period is bound to make or break United's season, and Wilder will be looking to work his magic in attempt to keep the Blades at the top of the tree at Christmas time.

Here, we take a look at FOUR things we've clearly learnt about Chris Wilder at Sheffield United this season...

It's evident that Wilder's recruitment has been spot on this season.

After selling talisman David Brooks to AFC Bournemouth, United needed to bounce back, and after signing the likes of David McGoldrick on a free transfer, question marks were raised.

Since then however, the 31-year-old has been brilliant for United - he may not have scored the goals he would have liked, but he works his socks off up front.

The signings of John Egan, Dean Henderson and Oliver Norwood have also been magnificent.

As well as McGoldrick, the likes of Billy Sharp and Chris Basham have been superb for United this term, despite the fact that they are getting on a bit.

32-year-old Sharp is like a fine wine - he's netted 12 goals in 20 appearances this season and is the spearhead in Blades' hunt for promotion.

Age is just a number as far as Wilder is concerned.

When United lose, Wilder ensures they don't lose the next game.

The Blades haven't lost two games in a row since the opening two games of the season, and they crucially bounce back with a run or an unbeaten run when they are defeated.

Many people questioned Wilder's ability to take the Blades any further after securing promotion from League One a couple of years ago.

But after nearly guiding the Blades to the play-offs last term and taking them to the upper echelons of the table this time around, Wilder has proven that he is definitely one of the best managers in the country.

He is one of the Blades most successful managers having accrued a win percentage of over 50% in over 125 games, and United fans will be praying he stays for the foreseeable.