It’s been a tough start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, who have picked up just one point from their opening four fixtures.
After suffering three straight defeats, the Blades drew 2-2 with Everton at Bramall Lane before the international break to get off the mark. Despite the newly-promoted club earning a valuable point against Everton, questions are being asked of Paul Heckingbottom for the first time that is he capable of keeping them up this season.
Thus, the pressure is on Heckingbottom to sort things out quickly. So below, here we take a look at three issues he needs to sort out to kickstart Sheffield United’s Premier League campaign.
- Use the free agency market to sign a new forward
Much has been made of Sheffield United’s goalscoring problems during the start of the season, with Benie Traore and Will Osula starting all three of their opening matches. Successive defeats against Crystal Palace, Forest and Man City were characterised by a lack of potency from a relatively inexperienced Blades attack.
Now, it is understood that United are considering a move for Ghana international Andre Ayew in the coming days, with Heckingbottom hoping to make the most use of the free agency market to improve his attack. Ayew is currently a free agent after leaving Forest following the expiration of his short-term contract in June. The 33-year-old featured 13 times for the Tricky Trees as they managed to secure top-flight safety last term.
Highly experienced and versatile enough to play in different positions across the front line, Ayew could add some much-needed impetus, energy and goals to an otherwise dull and toothless United attack. It’s always vital for a newly-promoted club to keep all their bases covered and adding a player like Ayew will be massive really.
- Get Oli McBurnie firing all cylinders
A year ago, Oli McBurnie had gone a full Championship season without a goal and suffered fitness issues. Then he scored against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road and went on an absurd spell of scoring, where for a few months he was principally the best striker in the Championship.
Injury disrupted the second half of that season for him, and he missed the start of this one after suffering a foot injury in training at the pre-season summer camp in Portugal. McBurnie’s lack of pre-season minutes is not Heckingbottom’s fault but with fixtures now set to come thick and fast, getting the Scotsman up to speed is crucial.
The Blades need a fully fit, fresh and determined McBurnie to lead the attack as he could be key to the club staying in the Premier League.
- Decide on his wing-backs
Wing-backs are so key to Heckingbottom’s system. They must be smart, quick, energetic, skilful and composed on the ball, supporting the widemen as well as sometimes playing as auxiliary wingers. And yet the wing-back situation is a bit of a mess.
Max Lowe started the first two games at left wing-back before getting injured, opening the door for Yasser Larouci. Larouci has not pulled up trees in the starts he made against Man City and Everton, with the Algerian particularly at fault for losing the ball in the lead up to Rodri’s winner for City at Bramall Lane.
On loan from Leicester City, Luke Thomas might be more suited to Heckingbottom’s style of play than Larouci. Similarly, George Baldock is seemingly trusted by the United boss to contribute regularly, meaning Ben Osborn and Chris Basham stepping up their games to provide competition at right wing-back would be useful too.
