Sheffield United's latest new signing issues a bold statement of intent

Signed to replace him, Aaron Ramsdale accepts people will judge his first few performances in a Sheffield United jersey with those produced over the past two seasons by the now departed Dean Henderson.

But the 22-year-old, who is spending the week in Scotland with the rest of Chris Wilder’s squad, insists he is not here to try and emulate his predecessor at Bramall Lane. Yes, the two might share some characteristics. But they are different people, different players and, perhaps most importantly, different goalkeepers.

“Deano’s a mate and what he’s done here speaks for itself,” Ramsdale says, reflecting on his pal’s displays before returning to Manchester United following a successful spell on loan. “I get why what I do might be judged like that to begin with but, honestly, I’m my own man and I want to do even better than he did. That’s definitely the plan.”

It is a sign of how Ramsdale has matured since his first spell with United that, despite acknowledging Henderson’s contribution to their promotion from the Championship and then force to be reckoned with at Premier League level, that he can speak in such terms. Despite being earmarked as something special when he entered the Steelphalt Academy, playing two games under Wilder before being reluctantly sold to AFC Bournemouth, the Ramsdale that last week became the third most expensive player in the club’s history is much more focused, single-minded and comfortable in his own skin than the talented but raw teenager who waved goodbye midway through United’s 2017 League One title winning campaign. The club, he points out, has undergone a similar transformation.

“What’s happened here has been remarkable,” Ramsdale says. “I’ve been watching from afar and then closer when it was possible. It’s been amazing.

“Not only what’s happened, division-wise, but also how it’s been done. You look at the way the boys play under the gaffer, with the centre-halves bombing forward, and you think ‘how is this possible?’

“But it is and, clearly, it works brilliantly. I can’t wait to be a part of it all again.”

An important message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.