Sheffield United acted quickly in the summer with a number of signings to strengthen their squad ahead of a Premier League return.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Phil Jagielka of Sheffield United and Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United walk out to take a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United at Vitality Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Chris Wilder smashed the club’s transfer record on a number of occasions. The likes of Callum Robinson, Luke Freeman, and Oli McBurnie all came through the door at Bramall Lane.
And while most of the summer captures have played a big part in the Blades’ success this term, some have played a more important part than others.
So with 24 games played and the Blades sitting in eighth in the Premier League, who has impressed the most?
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Site writer, Lee Connor, has taken a look and given his player ratings for Sheffield United’s summer signings.
Ravel Morrison – 5
There were more than a few surprised fans when Wilder opted to bring in Ravel Morrison on a free transfer.
But most were willing to give him a chance, hopeful that the Blades boss could sprinkle his magic dust and get ‘Rav’ to finally fulfil his potential.
Unfortunately, it’s been business as usual for Morrison. Just 14 Premier League minutes and a handful of cup appearances are all he has to show so far.
Oli McBurnie – 8
If this was done at the halfway stage, McBurnie would be down between a six and a seven. However, such has been in his form in the last six weeks or so, he get a nice high rating.
The Scotland international is improving by the week. He’s scored four goals and will be desperate for more. At £20m, expectation is high when it comes to McBurnie. However, he does look to be on his way to repaying some of that hefty fee.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester United at Bramall Lane on November 24, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Callum Robinson – 6
Robinson made a fine start to life at Bramall Lane but has not quite kicked on like we thought he might.
But, he’s still contributing off the bench. Furthermore, he did well away at Man City, offering plenty of running and willing up the top of the pitch.
Robinson should keep improving and looks like being one for next season in all honesty.
Luke Freeman – 6
In fairness to Freeman, he’s hardly played. When he has played, in the main, he’s done pretty well.
He performed well against Crystal Palace at home and laid on the winner, while he was the standout player against AFC Fylde a few weeks back.
Freeman has been touted for a potential loan move away this January. That is obviously his and Chris Wilder’s call but he’s by no means been a complete flop.
Luke Freeman was one of the first summer signings for Sheffield United. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Dean Henderson – 9
It’s easy to forget that Henderson was actually a summer signing. He feels like part of the furniture at Bramall Lane, despite being a Man United player.
Henderson has been superb. His performance against Man City the other night only highlighted further his ability. If the Blades can lure him back for next season then they’ll give themselves another great chance of survival.
Lys Mousset – 8
One of the best signings the club made in the summer although performances have curtailed off in recent weeks.
He’s netted five times, though, and laid on a number of goals for his teammates too. Mousset has settled in nicely and at £10m, looks like being a bargain buy if he can continue to develop.
You get the impression a full pre-season will do him good ahead of the next campaign.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Bernd Leno of Arsenal is challenged by Lys Mousset of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
Ben Osborn – 6
Another player who has hardly played but clearly is someone who contributes and gets his head down in training.
Wilder has put him on the bench a number of times this season and he’s done well when called upon, too.
Osborn is versatile and willing to work to improve. That in itself makes him a key member of the squad and a player who Wilder will love having around the place.
Phil Jagielka – 6
Once again, his rating is not necessarily a slight on his form, more the fact he hasn’t really played.
Like others on this list, though, Jagielka has done well when needed. He still looks as solid as ever and there’s little doubt he’s having an impact off the field given his Premier League experience.
Michael Verrips – 5
Scores low as we are yet to really see him. Came off injured in his only start of the season in the FA Cup and will be hoping to get the nod at Millwall tomorrow.
Verrips has been in the squad of late and could well have usurped Simon Moore as number two to Dean Henderson. Again, he looks like one for the future.
Ben Osborn and Michael Verrips were two of the summer signings for Sheffield United. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Mo Besic – 7
Besic has stepped in of late and seems to have really given the Blades a spark.
With John Lundstram dropping off from his early season form, Besic has injected a bit of energy and life into the midfield.
He’s already loved by a lot of Blades fans and he’s one who many would like to see move to the club on a permanent deal come the summer.
