Sheffield United striker Lys Mousset is told "The truth" about his future at Bramall Lane

Lys Mousset has been told he is responsible for deciding how the rest of his Sheffield United career unfolds, after failing to build on the explosive start he made to life at Bramall Lane.
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Despite scoring five goals in his first 13 appearances for the club, Mousset has found the back of the net only once since December 2019 after a series of fitness and personal issues curtailed his progress.

That strike came against United’s next opponents Tottenham Hotspur, and Paul Heckingbottom hopes the centre-forward will respond to a series of conversations between the pair in north London tomorrow.

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“I’ve had lots of chats with Lys,” United’s caretaker manager said. “Really honest and open ones as I always have with the players. But really, it all comes down to Lys.

Sheffield, England, 24th April 2021. Lys Mousset of Sheffield Utd during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis / SportimageSheffield, England, 24th April 2021. Lys Mousset of Sheffield Utd during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Sheffield, England, 24th April 2021. Lys Mousset of Sheffield Utd during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis / Sportimage

“We know he had a short burst last season, when he was a really big player for us, was a favourite of the fans and had everybody singing his name. We’d love to see him reproduce that.

“But it’s down to Lys, as I say. We want him to be that player again, but he is the one who has to do it.”

Chris Wilder, whose five year reign came to an end in March, made no attempt to disguise his frustration with Mousset’s conditioning after initially attempting to gloss over the issue following a £10m move from AFC Bournemouth. Jason Tindall, Heckingbottom’s assistant, worked with the Frenchman in Dorset, and could provide some invaluable insights into his personality and outlook.

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After suffering a toe injury during a pre-season warm-up against Preston North End, has made only 12 outings for United, whose relegation from the Premier League was mathematically confirmed a fortnight ago.

Paul Heckingbottom with chief executive Steve Bettis: Darren Staples/SportimagePaul Heckingbottom with chief executive Steve Bettis: Darren Staples/Sportimage
Paul Heckingbottom with chief executive Steve Bettis: Darren Staples/Sportimage

“Lys has been getting a lot of attention and nothing has been said to him that isn’t the truth,” Heckingbottom noted. “He’s trying really hard and he’s doing a lot of extra work, a lot of extra gym stuff.

“He’s played some games for the under-23’s and he’s in a lot better place now than where he was six weeks ago which is good to see. Now he's got to show it."

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