Fresh Sheffield United setback for ex-Leeds United man as Bramall Lane future question marks continue
Fresh Sheffield United setback for ex-Leeds United man as Bramall Lane future question marks continue
Jamie Shackleton has suffered fresh frustration in a bid to turn around his Sheffield United career after the former Leeds United man suffered yet another injury setback. The 26-year-old has played just 15 times for the Blades since arriving in the summer of 2024.
A series of fitness issues has restricted him to just three appearances this term, the last as a 78th-minute substitute in United’s 3-2 defeat at Preston North End back in October.
There were hopes that a return was close late last year when he was pencilled in to return to training but those proved short-lived as he returned to the Bramall Lane treatment room, at a time when United are short in midfield and could use an experienced Championship performer in that position.
Shackleton’s contract in South Yorkshire is not due to expire until next summer, meaning there is still time for the versatile performer to turn his United career around. But two starts in 18 months tells the story of it so far.
Fresh Sheffield United setback for ex-Leeds United man as Bramall Lane future question marks continue
“It’s a little bit of a setback, from Shacks’ point of view,” confirmed boss Chris Wilder ahead of United’s trip to Southampton tonight. “He's had a real difficult time at the football club and it’s disappointing for him as well.”
Had things been different for both the player and the club, in terms of fitness and availability, Shackleton may have been allowed out on loan this month to get his career going by playing regular games.
But the latest setback has put paid to any chances of that happening and instead the focus is on getting him back fit at United before any decisions can be taken on the next steps of his stuttering career.
“First and foremost, we’ve got to get him back fit and be involved,” Wilder added. “Getting minutes and getting training for a period of time before anybody - and that's right across the board - is available for us or is available for, maybe, a loan to get themselves back playing.”