"Down in the dumps" - Michael Verrips opens up on Sheffield United frustrations after transfer wrangle and Dutch loan escape

The Dutch goalkeeper signed for United in August 2019 after terminating his deal with Mechelen, when they were found guilty of match-fixing.

That infuriated Mechelen, who believed they were due compensation for Verrips and took the case to Fifa.

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Verrips played just 41 minutes of senior football for the Blades, in an FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde, and joined Eredivisie side Emmen on loan in the last transfer window.

And in an interview with Voetbal International, he admits that the whole saga left him “completely in the doldrums”.

“I had agreed with Sheffield that I would start as second goalkeeper, but that I would play all matches in the FA Cup and League Cup,” Verrips said.

"I would also play both league games against Manchester United, because our first goalkeeper Dean Henderson was hired from them and was therefore not allowed to play.

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“Because of all the legal battle, Sheffield decided to get another second keeper. I was not integrated in the first selection. I was completely down in the dumps.”

Verrips signed a four-year deal when he was unveiled as a Blades player, and featured on the bench this season when second-choice ‘keeper Wes Foderingham picked up an injury.

He has played six times in the Eridivisie this season, helping Emmen to their only two wins of the season as they sit bottom of the table.

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