Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder explained his decision to not put Billy Sharp in the squad against West Ham, while also touching on why John Lundstram was included again.
Lundstram once again took his place on the bench for United despite his inistence on not signing a new deal with the Blades. Sharp, meanwhile, was left out entirely as Wilder went with Oliver Burke and Rhian Brewster as his attacking options.
The decision proved quite the talking point among United supporters before and during the game. Especially when Lundstram was given the nod as the final sub in the second half.
But Wilder, speaking in his post-match presser, offered some insight into his decision.
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“There’s no issue. We have to have cover for John Egan (concussion) and cover for John Fleck as well,” Wilder said. (SUFC YouTube)
“Rhian’s going to be the future of the club. And Burke obviously gives us something different. The skipper (Sharp) understands his role in the team fully”.
It was another frustrating day at the office for United, who saw George Baldock and Oli McBurnie spurn the best chances of the game before Sebastien Haller’s rocket proved enough to snatch the three points.
Fair enough…but Lundstram needs dropping completely
I’ll always respect Wilder’s decisions and obviously he knows the squad and personnel in their better than us on here.
But we can also disagree and for me, Lundstram needs to be nowhere near that squad, especially when people are being left out like Sharp.
It just doesn’t sit right and goes back to what we said last month in terms of it undermining everything Wilder has built. I just don’t buy the fact that players won’t be sat thinking ‘hang on a minute here’ when they see Lundstram coming on ahead of them.
With players coming back to fitness now, it’s time we move on and let Lundstram distance himself from the squad.
