That has been the story of Sheffield United’s pre-season campaign so far, with victories over Casa Pia and Lincoln City – with an aggregate score of 6-0 after two 60-minute matches – raising hopes of a good campaign when the Championship gets underway for real for the Blades early next month.
Although Paul Heckingbottom, the United manager, has stressed these games are very much training exercises, there has been evidence of a few patterns of play that his coaching staff have been working on away in Portugal, with the likes of Rhian Brewster, Sander Berge, Ben Osborn and Will Osula all writing their names on the scoresheet so far.
United continue their pre-season campaign this weekend away at Scunthorpe United. But who has caught the eye so far for United? We took a look at nine players we believe have impressed in the two games to date …
9. George Baldock
Has returned from his summer experience with Greece with a renewed sense of confidence and has looked a threat down the right hand side in both games. He’ll start the season in Jayden Bogle’s absence and will know he has to perform to really nail down the shirt Photo: Sheffield United
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The England U19 Euros winner scored an eye-catching winner against Casa Pia and was desperate to continue that good form against Lincoln City. Still only 18 but has the body of a man and the attributes to become a real player Photo: Sheffield United