Kevin Blackwell believes that the Swans may have to change to progress from last season but backs Sousa to get it right

The Blades boss had just seen his team beaten 2-1 by the Swans at the Liberty to give Sousa his first home league win since taking charge and knows that he had a difficult job to replace Roberto Martinez who departed with most of the backroom staff in the summer.

Speaking after Tom Butler's late goal had sent his side to defeat, Blackwell said "When a new manager comes in he needs time to stamp his authority on things

"And when you've lost someone like Jason Scotland, who was really on fire last season, sometimes things have to change whether you like it or not.

"A lot of the time last season Swansea had the ball but they had it in areas where they wouldn't hurt you. Then all of a sudden Scotland would come up with a goal out of nothing and you need someone who can do that if you play that way.

"The way they played last year, it was always going to be difficult for someone to come in at Swansea and recreate that, especially if you lose key players like Scotland.

"Sometimes a system is for the here and now because the personnel fit it. But as soon as the personnel start to change, I'm afraid it's never quite the same.

"That could be the situation that Paulo and the fans need to understand, but I am sure Paulo will get things right in time.

"He is following on from Roberto, who had a fantastic time here, and that is always the hardest thing to do.

"I wonder how we've come out of the game with nothing and it's going to be a long journey home," he continued.

"We were aware there would be frustration from the crowd and we asked the players to start well, which they did.

"Swansea had a good 20 minutes after that but as half-time approached their passing wasn't working and you could hear the crowd starting to go.

"We knew we were getting on top and in the second half we battered them, but we didn't take our chances and lost concentration, and ended up conceding two goals on the break."

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