Sometimes in football, with all the will in the world and all the scouting data available to clubs, things just don’t go to plan. A player extensively watched can turn into a flop; someone who seemed tailor-made for a role at a club can, for whatever reason, simply not work out. Sheffield United have got a lot right in the transfer market of late but over their recent history have had their fair share of completely forgettable incomings as well.
But some went on to do remarkable things at other clubs, including winning the treble at Scottish giants Celtic and even winning European silverware. So we took a trip down memory lane to pull out 19 players you may have forgotten ever graced Bramall Lane. How many of these can you remember in a United shirt? And extra Blades bonus points if you saw all of them play!
5. Anthony Stokes
Another former Arsenal man who had a short spell at United. Stokes went on to enjoy a successful time at Celtic before moving back to England with Blackburn Rovers Photo: Steve Parkin
6. Panagiotis Retsos
The Greek international was a loan signing during the Covid-affected season in 2019/20, making one appearance for the Blades off the bench in an FA Cup tie at Reading. He has since gone on to win caps for his national team and helped Olympiacos win last season's UEFA Europa Conference League | Sportimage
7. Bruce Dyer
The former England U21 international made five appearances as the Blades sealed promotion to the Premiership back in 2005/06, and played almost 500 professional games in his long career Photo: Steve Parkin
8. Dean Sturridge
Better known for spells at Derby County and Wolves, Sturridge played four times on loan for United in 2003/04 – months after helping Wolves beat the Blades in the 2003 play-off final Photo: Barry Richardson