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 …
21. Timothy Castagne – Belgium
Another player reportedly recommended by United’s hierarchy as a potential transfer target from his time at Atalanta, which always seemed a little ambitious. Has since moved to Leicester and will be going to Qatar with Belgium Photo: Darren Staples
22. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
A little tenuous, perhaps, but one of the Portuguese superstar’s worst moments on a field did come at Bramall Lane – when he somehow put a shot over the bar from about three yards, facing an open goal. He did okay for himself after that, though, to be fair… Photo: John Peters