James Shield's Sheffield United Column: It's abundantly clear what Sheffield United need

Speaking before last weekend’s meeting with Arsenal, which produced another dispiriting performance and result, Paul Heckingbottom told the players he inherited from Chris Wilder that the 57-year-old’s permanent successor would “be watching” how they approached the fixture.

In caretaker charge since last month, it was a message which clearly didn’t resonate with many members of United’s squad as, barring a couple of notable exceptions, they produced another listless display.

To some degree, that was inevitable. Heading into this weekend’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, United have unfortunately grown accustomed to getting beat - losing all but six of their 31 outings in the Premier League this term. But it was how they looked, more so than the result, which should set the alarm bells ringing.

United, only a season ago a real tour-de-force, were listless, lifeless and for the most part utterly ineffective. Because industry alone isn’t enough to prevail at elite level. Mikel Arteta’s side, which wouldn’t even dare to try and hold a candle to some of its most illustrious predecessors, were able to coast through the contest without leaving third gear. And that, given what United are supposed to stand for, is unacceptable.

Heckingbottom, who deserves nothing but praise for stepping into the post rather than remaining with United’s under-23’s, appears to be on a hiding to nothing right now. His hands are tied; both by a casualty list longer than a filibustering speech and the fact he doesn’t hold the reins on a permanent basis. Even so, it’s difficult to fathom why he doesn’t do something radically different. After all, 18 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table, it’s not as if what United have been doing so far has been a roaring success. And with Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie joining Sander Berge, Chris Basham, Jack O’Connell, Jack Rodwell and Jack Robinson on the treatment table, they are even weaker now than they were in September - when a horrendous opening 10 minutes against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side set the tone for what was to come.

Witnessing how flat United appeared against the visitors from north London, what United need from whoever takes charge next was abundantly clear. Personality. Presence. A tour de force in the technical area. Other than being bloody good at their job, of course. But I think that goes without saying.

There will be changes on the pitch this summer. No matter what anybody says. But as well as a few fresh faces, United also require a bloody big kick up the backside. They require someone capable of grabbing the entire club by the scruff of the neck, giving it a damn big shake, and stopping it from drifting back into the same type of coma Wilder had to treat when he first arrived.

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