Have Sheffield United started the search for the next Mark Duffy?

During their promotions from both League One and the Championship at the beginning of his reign, Wilder frequently sent Sheffield United into battle with a playmaker wedged just behind two central strikers in an attempt to build pressure and possession.

But ever since Mark Duffy’s shock departure two years ago, United have favoured a more physical presence behind whichever combination of centre-forwards their manager chooses to select.

Explaining why McGoldrick was handed Duffy’s old ‘fantastita’ role against City, Wilder confirmed what was once one of his team’s most well-known hallmarks is unlikely to be on show at West Ham on Monday evening.

“When we came up from the Championship to the Premier League, one of the things we did talk about was counter attacks and the need to look out for them,” Wilder explained, noting how 13 of the 18 defeats United have suffered this term have been via a single goal. “Some people will be crying out for two ‘9’s’ and a ‘10’ but we’ve got to be careful about getting sucked into changing a system which I believe has worked. It works when players are at the top of their form. The middle of the park is always an important aspect.”

Despite confirming he has no plans to use this shape on a regular basis, it was nevertheless revealing that Wilder chose to road test it at all against Championship opposition. Bottom of the table with only 15 matches remaining, United have a major battle on their hands to preserve their top-flight status, with Monday’s visit to West Ham the first in a series of contests they surely must win to stand any chance of keeping their heads above water.

If they do return to the second tier, it is possible that Wilder could look to once again look to utilise a three-pronged attack given his men are likely to see much more of the ball. But there have also been times when United would have benefited from someone with Duffy’s skill set in recent months too; particularly against other teams fighting for their lives towards the foot of the rankings.

At first glance, McGoldrick should be perfectly suited to a more deeper lying role. But although he produced a solid enough display, the former Republic of Ireland international did not appear entirely comfortable against City. Whereas Duffy would create his own space with some clever dribbling, McGoldrick prefers to search it out; drifting into those little pockets between the opposition’s defence and midfield. With City sitting deep, this meant his passing options were greatly reduced. Should United utilise this tactic on a more regular basis in the future, Luke Freeman, now on loan at Nottingham Forest, could be a more viable choice. If he leaves on a permanent basis, United could be forced to look to the transfer market for solutions.

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