Chris Wilder can unleash a new Sheffield United blueprint after the international break
Chris Wilder is not short on options in his search for a solution to try and turn Sheffield United’s season around.
Nine games into the 2025/26 Championship campaign and Sheffield United have only been able to find the back of the net on three occasions.
Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Hull City marked the sixth blank they have fired in their opening nine league outings this season, highlighting exactly why they remain bottom of the table with just three points to their name.
After ending their run of five games without a goal by finding the back of the net against both Oxford United and Southampton, it felt as though the Blades were on the cusp of turning a corner in front of goal.
In fairness, they went close against Hull, striking the woodwork through Gustavo Hamer before Harrison Burrows saw a penalty saved. Performances have improved since Chris Wilder’s return, but a lack of confidence in and around the final third remains a glaring issue.
Fortunately, Wilder is blessed with a group of attackers that, once confidence creeps back in, should be capable of putting the ball in the back of the net at a more frequent rate than they have done of late. Last season’s top scorer Tyrese Campbell currently leads the way once again with two goals to his name so far.
The 25-year-old has started eight of United’s opening league games this season, and has started every game since Wilder’s return.
The Blades boss is a huge fan of the former Stoke City man, who played such an important role in helping United come within touching distance of securing an immediate return to the Premier League last term, and will be confident he can recapture his best form.
Following the summer departures of Rhian Brewster and Kieffer Moore, United had to search for fresh blood to support Campbell and Tom Cannon at the tip of their attack. Their search led them to free agent Danny Ings, who was available after leaving West Ham United.
Following a recent injury, the former Burnley and Liverpool man stepped off the bench in the defeats to Southampton and Hull prior to the international break, storing a combined total of 34 minutes under his belt. Earning just 46 minutes worth a football since becoming a Blade, he is still building up his fitness levels.
Ings impressed Wilder
Nevertheless, his cameo in the defeat at Hull earned plaudits from Wilder, meaning he could play a more prominent role on the other side of the international break.
Praising the impacts of Ings and fellow substitute Tom Davies, the United boss said: "I would have loved to have started Tom today but he physically couldn't do it, but you just saw the composure and the calmness and the quality that he possesses and Danny comes on and he makes one run straight away and gets the penalty.
"That's the reason those boys have played at the highest level and that's the reason I'm telling our boys that's a great example."
At the age of 33, Ings is not short of experience, playing 240 times in the Premier League, scoring more than 70 goals. He also has almost 100 Championship appearances to his name.
Having impressed Wilder, the former Burnley man could find himself storing more minutes under his belt in the coming weeks and months. Following this current international break, United will resume their season with a three-game week, meaning Wilder is going to have to manage his squad and rotate in places to keep everyone as fresh as possible.
With that likelihood in mind, Ings could find himself securing his first United start before too long, either in place of Campbell or alongside him, depending on what tactical approach Wilder considers to be the most suitable.
Putting pen to paper on a one-year deal after arriving on a free transfer in August, the decision to sign Ings was fairly risk-free. He brings experience to the table, likewise a proven goalscoring record.
With United struggling to put the ball in the net, Ings’ cameo at the MKM Stadium reminded Wilder he has an alternative option he can turn to.