Ravel Morrison told to 'be ready' for Sheffield United call-up

Ravel Morrison has again been assured he remains part of Sheffield United’s plans, despite failing to feature in their matchday squad for the visit to Norwich City.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The former Manchester United, West Ham and Queens Park Rangers midfielder last featured for Chris Wilder’s side in September, when he started the EFL Cup defeat at home to Sunderland.

Despite playing only 17 minutes of Premier League football since arriving at Bramall Lane from Swedish club Ostersunds FK, Morrison was last week told by Wilder he still has a part to play with opportunities likely to present themselves over the Christmas period.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But elaborating upon that statement, the United manager insisted that he “does not hold a gun to the head” of anyone on United’s books; a statement which could be interpreted as a challenge to Morrison to show his commitment by forcing his way into the team.

Ravel Morrison of Sheffield Utd skips past Laurens De Bock of Sunderland during the Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/SportimageRavel Morrison of Sheffield Utd skips past Laurens De Bock of Sunderland during the Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Ravel Morrison of Sheffield Utd skips past Laurens De Bock of Sunderland during the Carabao Cup match at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“There’s been some decent performances keeping decent players out,” Wilder said. “For every one who doesn’t get in, I can talk about a Lys Mousset, a David McGoldrick, an Olly Norwood and a John Fleck.

“I can’t put a gun to anyone’s head. But I’ve told the players who aren’t in that they have to be ready. Ravel is a part of our group.”

Speaking before the match at Carrow Road, which finished 2-1 in United’s favour, Wilder acknowledged some of those on the periphery of his plans are destined to leave South Yorkshire during next month’s transfer window.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ricky Holmes, Kieron Freeman and Kean Bryan are among those who could be moved on in order to create space for new arrivals, given Wilder’s belief that too many players diminishes “effective competition”.

However, those plans will depend upon United’s ability to acquire the targets he has identified, with new owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his board recently learning that Kevin McCabe hopes to appeal the High Court verdict which granted the Saudi Arabian control of United earlier this year.

Even if McCabe is not granted permission to contest that hearing’s findings, Prince Abdullah must still purchase property interests including the Steelphalt Academy training complex and Bramall Lane itself from the Scarborough based businessman who, until Mr Justice Fancourt announced his decision, was United’s longest serving director.