Sheffield United fans were left waiting until the dying embers of the summer transfer window to see their struggling squad given a mini revamp.
After Ben Davies arrived a few weeks back, the final days of the window saw Conor Hourihane, Morgan Gibbs-White, and experienced goalkeeper, Robin Olsen, all arrive.
It means United added four new faces to the squad. And while it wasn’t the major overhaul some predicted, it still improved the squad – on paper at least.
But while those four players came in, United were also linked with a host of other names. Obvious names like Alex Collado and Ronaldo Vieira fell through, as did a deal for Yann Koromah of Parma.
Others were also linked, so we’ve taken a look at FIVE reported targets who Sheffield United just didn’t quite land.
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Ryan Christie
The Celtic man was on the radar of Sheffield United late into the window, according to reports.
The Sun suggested Christie was among the midfield players Slavisa Jokanovic had identified as a potential signing.
Alas, it was one of United’s so-called promotion rivals who snapped up the now ex-Celtic man in the end. Christie penned a deal with Bournemouth, as the Cherries added plenty to their squad this summer.
Amad Diallo
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the first name to really inject an element of excitement into Blades fans. Diallo was signed for more than £30m, and has already impressed in cameo appearances at Old Trafford.
So when links emerged suggesting the Blades were close to a deal, United fans were understandably buzzing.
However, it wasn’t to be. Diallo seemed to be on his way to Feyenoord, before he suffered an injury in training which ensured he’ll remain in Manchester for now.
Certainly one the Blades could revisit in January, however.
Matty Longstaff
Longstaff was another linked late in the day but he ultimately chose to head to Scotland rather than the Championship.
The Newcastle man burst onto the scene in 2019 with a debut goal against Manchester United. But since then, he’s dropped down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
Longstaff would have been an efficient if unspectacular signing. Certainly, he won’t be one United fans lose any sleep over.
Seny Dieng
United eventually got their replacement for Aaron Ramsdale in the form of Robin Olsen, but QPR stopper Seny Dieng was on the radar.
The Blades were said to be preparing a £6m bid for the stopper. The R’s, however, want nearly double that and Mark Warburton was quick to shoot down any talk of Dieng leaving from the get-go.
Dieng could be one United revisit in the future. Olsen is a good stop gap for the club, but United still need a long-term replacement for Ramsdale.
Jamie McGrath
A name that slipped under the radar somewhat, Jamie McGrath was linked with United all the way back at the beginning of August.
After impressing for St Mirren over 12 months, United had put McGrath in and among the group of potential midfield signings.
McGrath has certainly progressed. He got his first start for Ireland last night and impressed against Portugal. At 24, he’s young enough for United to keep an eye on in the future.
However, we all know another good season in Scotland will naturally see the likes of Rangers and Celtic sniffing.