We all saw it, whether in the ground or watching at home. Mason Holgate’s tackle on Karou Mitoma against Brighton was simply absurd.
Quite how the referee only gave Holgate a yellow at the time is just as baffling as the decision by the Everton loanee to go in on Mitoma as he did so early on in the game.
Of course, it was the ten United players left on the pitch who had to suffer. Chris Wilder admitted Holgate had got it wrong and had apologised to the group as well.
However, with the defender now missing the next three against Wolves, Arsenal and Bournemouth, Wilder faces a big call on the defender when he’s back against Manchester United.
And if it was up to us, Holgate simply wouldn’t be playing again for the club.
Mason Holgate signing was pointless in the first place
While we understand the need to bring in a new defender was there for Wilder when he arrived, the signing of Mason Holgate went down like a lead balloon anyway.
Blades fans, in the main, didn’t want to see a defender who was struggling to get a game for Southampton in the division below come in. And now, it looks like those fans have got more ammo to back up their calls.
Holgate’s challenge against Brighton was ridiculous and cost us the game. Sure, we might have lost anyway but we were right in the clash and when he was given his marching orders, Brighton simply hammered United.
In our view, it’s almost pointless including Holgate now between now and the season’s end. The Blades are basically down and with him missing three games, it’s a chance for someone else to step in and make their mark.
Holgate is not our player as it is and attentions at some point must turn to next season. With that, Holgate should be confined to the bench and either a young player, or someone who will be around next year, should step in.
Chris Wilder can send a big statement to the rest of the squad by dropping Holgate from now on. And if that’s what it takes to get a reaction from some in this team, then so be it.