Billy Sharp pinpoints what Sheffield United need to change after delivering season verdict despite difficult start
Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp has been assessing the Blades' difficult start to the Championship season and believes Chris Wilder's side can still turn things around.
Billy Sharp, the Sheffield United legend, still believes his former side are capable of finishing in the Championship play-offs this season, if they can discover the momentum and belief he feels they will need. The Blades entered the international break 18th in the table after losing four of their last five games.
The mood amongst the fanbase has mirrored that slump as well, with frustration only deepening with news of another injury concern this week. Jordan Ayew, their free agent signing who only arrived earlier this month, has left the Ghana camp with an unspecified injury.
The current break has long been earmarked as a key part of United’s season as they look to turn around their slump in form, getting some players back from injury and getting others up to speed.
Sharp, speaking on Sky’s EFL podcast, was asked if United should be doing better than they currently are. “Yeah, I think the fans certainly think so,” the former striker said.
“They've lost their last three games in all competitions. And if they had won one of those league games, they would have been the top half. It wouldn't look so doom and gloom.
“But they've changed formation three times this season. So not only do you not know the starting XI, you're not quite sure what formation they're going to line up with. They've tried a 4-3-3.
“They've tried two 10s and a one, they've tried 3-5-2. And I think they're trying to adapt to other teams at the minute. And the Chris Wilder that I know was all about Monday to Thursday, Sheffield United.
“And on Friday, we might touch up and give the respect to the opposition a little bit. But I think at the minute they're trying to find a way to stay in games and maybe bring on some of their more direct players. Romelle Donovan, he's not started the last two games in the league.
And I think they've tried to stay in the game. And then obviously we're trying to bring him on to find him something in the later stages of the game. But they haven't found consistency.”
They also have too many players not yet at top speed fitness-wise, a by-product of a stunted summer transfer window seeing them bring in a number of players later than they had originally hoped.
“They've got a lot of players for me who start the game, but knowing they're going to come off after 60 minutes,” Sharp added. “So they've not really got anyone in the striking department. - maybe [Patrick] Bamford - who you could probably say could rattle out three 90 minutes in a week.
“But even he's had his injury problems as well, which psychologically is not nice. I know Tyrese Campbell, he gets 60 minutes and he's off. But that is his game, his power, his sprints.
“And he's a dangerous player. But even he's not been in the squad for the last two Sheffield United league games. Before, I think I could have picked Chris Wilder's team week in, week out. But at the minute, I can't. And he'll definitely be pleased with this break because it's his birthday this week.
“So I'm sure he'll be away at the minute. But he'll want to lay down a few more things on the training ground and try and find a formula to get some consistency into that team. Because personally, I think they've got the players.
“They've got enough strength in the squad. They've got a lot of good midfielders who haven't really grasped that chance to say: ‘That slot's mine.’ They're in and out. They’ve changed the wing backs, getting injuries with McCallum.
“There have been a lot of changes in the team and in a Sheffield United team, it's not usually like that, especially under Chris Wilder. So it’s disappointing at the minute, but I still think they can get in the top eight. They just need to build a little bit of momentum and have a bit more belief.”