We are less than two weeks out from the opening Premier League game of the season and Sheffield United have a weaker squad now than what they had in the Championship. This has prompted frustration and anger from supporters towards the board.
Sheffield United have made three signings this summer, Anis Slimane, Yasser Larouci and Bénie Traoré, who is yet to feature for United due to visa problems. Several reports have claimed that Vinícius Souza is wanted by Sheffield United, and Arsenal defender Auston Trusty is in negotiations to join the Blades.
On the other hand, United have seen James McAtee and Tommy Doyle return to their parent club, and an announcement of Iliman Ndiaye’s departure to Marseille is imminent. The trio played a huge part in getting the team promoted back to the Premier League, especially Ndiaye, who contributed to one-third of United’s Championship goals.
Ndiaye’s quick U-turn seemingly caught everybody at the club by surprise, thus leaving Sheffield United considerably light at the top end of the pitch. As of now, Bénie Traore, Daniel Jebbison, Louie Marsh, Oli McBurnie and Will Osula are the strikers at the club.
Traoré is new to the team and hasn’t even trained with the squad yet, so he will be unprepared from a tactical point of view. Meanwhile, potentially relying on three youngsters to lead the line in the Premier League is a huge ask. McBurnie is currently battling a foot injury and has missed most of pre-season, his fitness and sharpness are in serious doubt as we approach the Crystal Palace game.
According to Darren Smith, who provides regular updates on the club, the Blades will only be bringing in one signing between now and the opening game of the season, and that could likely be Auston Trusty.
