The Blades have a squad boasting experience and versatility, with several players capable of operating in more than one position or formation. That could prove particularly important now Wilder has to find a way of replacing the creativity lost this summer.
So, what is United’s strongest team now their squad is set until January, and if everyone was hypohetically fit and firing? We’ve picked the XI we believe would give United the best balance, with some good players providing strong alternatives from the bench.
Chris Wilder has already admitted he may need to tweak his shape to suit the options at his disposal and some selections are more straightforward, but there are also a few big calls to make.
Does Liam Kitching go straight in? Where does a fully-fit Kalvin Phillips play? Can Hamza Choudhury keep his place in the side when Femi Seriki returns? And who fills the void left by O’Hare?
Take a look through our picks and let us know whether you agree – or whether you’d go about things slightly differently...
1. GK Michael Cooper
One of the easier selections. That’s no slight on Adam Davies, a more than capable No.2, but Cooper has been one of United’s best performers in the early part of the season and showing signs of being back at his best form. Long may it continue | The Star/Sport image
2. RB Femi Seriki
Currently injured but when fit I still think he’s the best option for United at right-back, despite Hamza Choudhury joining and Matt Doherty also available as cover and competition. Especially if the Blades play a back three which frees him up a little to get forward even more | The Star/Sport Image
3. CB Japhet Tanganga
An obvious one – United’s skipper and another showing signs of getting back towards his best after a season of relative struggle last season | The Star/Sport Image
4. CB Liam Kitching
Mark McGuinness has been steady enough and is still at Bramall Lane when many expected him to be away by this point, but I think it’s fair to say Kitching is the favourite to partner Tanganga going forward. His left foot restores a nice balance to the back too | Sheffield United