A winter World Cup is a novelty for everyone and it’s fair to say that its scheduling, slap bang in the middle of the English season, may have dampened enthusiasm about it in some quarters.
It’s come at a good time for Sheffield United, who will use the break to coax many of their walking wounded back to fitness, but four weekends without any club football is never anything to cheer about – especially with United second in the league.
There are a number of United connection and interests in Qatar, beyond the obvious – including failed transfers, rumoured targets and former players, plus a manager who turned down the Blades and criticised them for good measure.
We compiled some of the best and most obscure – and Qatar 2022 may have more of a United feel than many first suspected …
13. Iliman Ndiaye – Senegal
The Blades’ own starboy has been backed to make a big impact on the tournament by his teammates, if he can force his way into Aliou Cisse’s plans. Just over a year after effectively turning pro, it has been some journey Photo: JAKUB SUKUP
14. Aaron Ramsdale – England
His decision to effectively go on strike to force a move to Arsenal may not have endeared him to Blades fans but it has certainly paid off, as the Gunners’ No.1 and on the way to a World Cup Photo: Pool
15. Ismael Kone – Canada
David’s international teammate is another who could have been a Blade, after being lined up as Sander Berge’s replacement if the Norwegian moved out on deadline day in the last transfer window. Berge remained, Kone didn’t arrive – and a good World Cup could put him on the radar of other clubs Photo: Getty
16. Graham Arnold – Australia
The Australia boss was approached to become United’s new manager after the sacking of Danny Wilson but he rejected the offer and branded United ‘prehistoric’ for good measure. “Forget that the financial offer in itself was quite poor,” he said, “but I would have been taking three steps backwards in my development as a professional coach if I had gone.” Photo: PAUL ELLIS