Rhys Norrington-Davies is not a name many fans at Bramall Lane will know much about as yet.
The 20-year-old has yet to make his mark on first-team affairs for the Blades. With United flying along in the Championship last year, breaking into the team was never going to be an easy feat.
That’s why a loan move this season made all kinds of sense for Norrington-Davies. Rochdale were the beneficiaries, with the youngster penning a loan deal with the club until the end of the season.
United have a rich history of producing young players. In recent times the likes of Harry Maguire and David Brooks have gone on to be Premier League stars. While a look a bit further back points to the likes of Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton, and Phil Jagielka all being sold on for big sums.
So who is Norrington-Davies, and does he have a future at Bramall Lane? We’ve taken a little look how he’s getting on.
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Recognition
It would be remiss of us to not mention Norrington-Davis’ recent call-up to the Welsh under-21 squad. A huge achievement for a young player plying his trade down in League One.
But his performances have warranted the call. His showing at Old Trafford against Man United being one particularly noteworthy display.
He’s already scored one this season for the Dale as well as contributing two assists from his favoured left-back position. Defensively, he has been sound, while contributing in attacking areas too.
A closer look at his stats suggest he is doing quite the job down the left for Brian Barry-Murphy’s men.
According to Whoscored.com, he’s contributing 1.3 key passes per game from defence, all the while, averaging just shy of 80% overall pass success rate.
Defensively he is doing the business, too. 2.2 tackles per game and 2.1 clearances per game putting him up there with some of the best in his position on the third tier.
Chances at United
While the likelihood of Norrington-Davies getting anywhere near the first-team at the moment is low, there is an opportunity for the youngster.
In Enda Stevens, the Blades have one of the finest attacking full-backs in the entire Premier League. If Norrington-Davies is going to learn from anyone, there aren’t many better than Stevens.
This season is going to be big for the youngster. He’s already made 15 appearances. Providing he keeps fit, it’s hard to see Rochdale moving him out of the first XI any time soon.
Blades boss Chris Wilder has shown he is willing to give people a chance if they are good enough. Man of the moment John Lundstram is proof of that.
One things for sure here. Bramall Lane can look forward to seeing young talent for some years to come, with Norrington-Davies, potentially, leading the charge.