Plenty of places up for grabs in new-look Sheffield United team next season

A question that confirms Sheffield United’s state of flux - how many positions are nailed down for next season? Very few.

Let’s see. Pre-supposing that market forces don’t intervene, I can only think of around half a dozen.

I’m talking of goalkeeper Michael Cooper, centre back and captain Japhet Tanganga, midfield anchorman Sydie Peck (Oli Arblaster challenging), winger Andre Brooks, attacker Callum O’Hare and most effective striker Patrick Bamford.

In an ideal world, you’d be adding Gus Hamer to that list, transfer interest and recovery of best form permitting.

On a similar premise, marauding right back Femi Seriki and maybe Harrison Burrows on the left.

But the fact is there are places up for grabs right across the back four, some in midfield and certainly up front too.

On past record and reputation, the Blades ought to have enough firepower. Yet that has not proved to be the case.

Tom Cannon has failed to command a regular spot, Tyrese Campbell has been mainly below par or injured this season, while Danny Ings is more of an option from the bench, as per his welcome late winner against Hull last Saturday.

As a collective, United’s offensive players have under-performed this campaign, certainly not matched the team’s chance-making with productivity.

At the same time, Chris Wilder’s side has looked porous off the ball, vulnerable down both sides and through the middle.

Overall, there is no guarantee about any current first-teamer, partly because of the nature of transfer windows where anything and everything is possible.

Wilder might not be able to keep every player he’d want to, or sign every player he targets. It’s a scrabble across a giant jigsaw puzzle with very little financial leeway.

The main thing is he has a clear idea of how he wants it to look once all the pieces are in place.

Beyond character, you’d have to say experience has been missing at key times and moments this campaign.

Hence the decision to pursue on-loan Kalvin Phillips for something more permanent.

As for the general picture, it’s one giant blur that Wilder is tasked with turning into something bright and clear. It won’t be easy or achieved overnight.