Exclusive:Underwhelming Sheffield United signing earns reprieve as door creaks open for second chance
Tahith Chong appeared destined to leave Bramall Lane earlier this summer, but an encouraging return from international duty has given the winger a chance to force his way back into Chris Wilder's plans.
Tahith Chong is expected to get another chance to continue turning around his Sheffield United fortunes at Rotherham United this afternoon. The Curacao international went into the summer’s World Cup facing an uncertain future at Bramall Lane.
But he has looked bright after returning from his country’s historic first-ever appearance on the world stage and scored in United’s 3-1 friendly win over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday at the Shirecliffe academy.
While the suggestion was that United may look to offload him this summer, the mood is now one of Chong being part of next season’s plans as he competes with Romelle Donovan for a place down the Blades right.
United are also looking into a deal for Rabbi Matondo, who is free to leave Brann after just a few months in Norway and has been training with the Blades. He is capable of playing down either flank, and could make his third United pre-season appearance at the New York Stadium today.
If Chong does earn a stay of execution then he set the standard in his last competitive appearance for United, on the final day of last season. He came off the bench against Derby County and looked dangerous as United won 2-1.
“Chongy showed what he's capable of,” said Wilder after that game. “But he's got to produce it in the big moments. He's got to produce it at home.
“He's got to produce it when the pressure's on and if he does, then he's a player that we'd like to have in and around us. But only when they take on board what we need to do as well.”
Chong arrived at United last summer alongside Mark McGuinness, whose future at Bramall Lane is less certain this summer. The former Wednesday loanee has been overtaken in the pecking order by rookie Jamal Baptiste, who will return to the Millers today after last season’s loan spell.