Sheffield United kicked off their pre-season with a victory over York City, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win. Tyrese Sinclair gave the home side an early lead in the opening ten minutes, but goals from Ryan One and Will Osula turned the game in United’s favour.
Playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation for the first time, the setup appeared to benefit the wide players, Andre Brooks and Benie Traore, who both delivered standout performances in the first half. The second half saw Will Osula boss the game and eventually got his rewards with a spectacular goal, Chris Wilder described Osula’s performance as outstanding after the game.
Chris Wilder’s reaction to first pre-season game for Sheffield United
Speaking about his team’s first outing in pre-season, Wilder stated to SUTV: “It was a bit stop-start as it usually happens the first time they get out there and run around. We’ve had two 45 minutes. We’ve had 14 or 15 players involved who are from the academy. Things to work on, a shape that we’ve only just introduced. To get to grips with that shape will take time. We want to be flexible with our shape. We want to be able to play four at the back.
“I’m looking for everyone to come through it, I’m looking for everyone to be at full tilt and run around which they did. I understand that we’ll make mistakes on the ball which we did. I understand that we’ll miss some chances which we did. Attitude, good. Physically we’ve come through it with no injuries. Mentally was great. And to get a win in front of our supporters.
“No disrespect, it’s not going up to Stocksbridge and winning 9-0. It’s not going somewhere winning five or six. We wanted it to be competitive and we got that aspect of it and it’s a decent start for us.”
The Blades got off to the worst possible start when Anel Ahmedhodzic overran the ball on the halfway line before being dispossessed which saw Tyrese Sinclair delicately slot the ball past Adam Davies ten minutes into the game. But Sheffield United soon recovered, and in the second half stomped their authority on the match.
Wilder on the performance: “Disappointed with their goal, it was a mistake [from Ahmedhodzic], we understand that might happen in pre-season. And then [York] sit in and make it really difficult for us in a low block, and delighted to get ourselves back in the game, great finish by Ryan.
“Second half when we changed the team around I thought Will Osula was outstanding off the left, and possibly could’ve even had a hat-trick but it’s a great finish from him. Rhian’s had a good chance and the keeper has made an unbelievable save.
“I want to win. I want our supporters to see that fighting attitude from us and the desire to go and play well, of course, to physically compete, of course, but to go and win a game of football. Some good signs as well. Still a lot to work with, but it’s still pretty early in pre-season.”
Wilder on Jamie Shackleton’s first appearance for Sheffield United
The game at the LNER Community stadium gave Sheffield United fans a chance to see new signing Jamie Shackleton for the first time, and they surely don’t come away from the game feeling disappointed. The midfielder stood out in midfield in the second half as he covered lots of ground and showed off his progressive capabilities.
Wilder was asked about Shackleton’s debut: “Yh 100%, he’s a good player. He’s played at a decent club for quite a while. He wanted to make the move and he’s going to be a great asset for us.
“It’s disappointing that we didn’t have Gus on the pitch, it’s disappointing that we didn’t have Sam on the pitch, but they’ll be working on Monday. We’ve got a behind closed doors friendly on Wednesday. We’ve got a really good friendly against Chesterfield on Saturday so hopefully these two will be involved, and hopefully a couple more will be involved in terms of [incoming] players.
“Jamie was really good. First impressions are really important for supporters and most importantly for players’ confidence, and he’ll be delighted with his efforts today.”
What’s next for the Blades?
Wilder mentioned that the Blades will be involved in a behind closed doors game against Bradford City on Wednesday where the plan is to play four half-hour games. After that, they make a short trip to Chesterfield next Saturday for a 2PM kick-off.
New signings on the horizon?
It is being reported by Mike McGrath that Sheffield United have won the race to sign Kieffer Moore, who looked all set to join up with Hull City for their pre-season tour. However, personal reasons appear to be the cause of the last minute twist for the Welsh international.
McGrath has also revealed that Leeds United are interested in signing Jayden Bogle from the Blades. Wilder has already lost one right-back this summer after George Baldock chose to leave the club after his contract expired. Losing another right-back in the same window would be a terrible situation, given they are already struggling to rebuild the squad as it is.
In other news, the Blades have not pulled out of the race for Peterborough United left-back Harrison Burrows despite recent speculation, per The Star.
