Sheffield United got their pre-season off to a winning start against York City thanks to goals from Ryan One and Will Osula, after Tyrese Sinclair put the home side ahead in the opening ten minutes.
Chris Wilder split Sheffield United into two teams, one for each half.
First half shape and standouts
The first half XI: Davies; Curtis, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Buyabu; Souza, Peck; Brooks, Marsh, Traore; One.
This shape looked to be a 4-2-3-1 which seemed to suit the wide players of United – Andre Brooks and Benie Traore – who stood out in the first half. Traore was busy in and out of possession, on several occasions he worked hard to win the ball back. He was a threat down the left channel with his pace and he showed some fancy footwork on more than one occasion.
On the opposite flank, Brooks provided the width and we saw instances where he danced around a couple of York players. He played a huge part in the opening goal with his teasing inswinging curling left-footed cross from the right, which was initially met by Anel Ahmedhodzic before the goalkeeper’s parry landed kindly for Ryan One to fire home from close range in the 27th minute.
Second half shape and standouts
The second half XI: Grbic; Bogle, Sasnauskas, Trusty, Freckleton; Arblaster, Shackleton; Osula, Slimane, Hampson; Brewster.
Again, it seemed to be a 4-2-3-1 shape but this team certainly seemed a lot more fluid in terms of off the ball movement. Brewster would drop deep into the number ten position at times which allowed the likes of Owen Hampson, Anis Slimane and Will Osula the ability to run in behind.
Jamie Shackleton had a bright debut and was flying forward at every opportunity, using his excellent carrying qualities. He showed plenty of strength to hold off opponents when receiving the ball with his back to goal and showed good composure to link play under pressure.
What was essentially a front four created bags of chances in the second half, most of them falling to Will Osula. After dragging a left footed shot agonisingly wide of the far post, Osula would finally get his goal in the 77th minute after an excellent first touch from a long ball which guided him in field and from about 25 yards out the young Dane unleashed a curling effort into the bottom right corner, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.
Sheffield United Injuries and unused subs
Promising young goalkeeper Luke Fanon was named as a substitute at the LNER Community stadium, all the subs for the Blades were unused. Femi Seriki, Harry Boyes, Sai Sachdev and Billy Blacker were the outfield options.
United’s most recent recruit Sam McCallum missed out as he continues to get up to speed in pre-season. Gustavo Hamer was not risked due to a minor calf complaint, per Sheffield United official social media.
