Sheffield United boss, Chris Wilder, clarified his decision not to go with Jack Robinson this weekend as he deployed Kean Bryan at left centre-back.
Wilder – who is still battling with the left-sided defence problem – opted to give Bryan his first Premier League appearance, despite the defender being something of a forgotten man at Bramall Lane.
With Jack O’Connell out, Wilder has opted with Ethan Ampadu, Enda Stevens, and Jack Robinson in the role at different times this term.
But with Ampadu and Stevens out, it was expected that Robinson would be the man to step into the fold. However, Wilder said after the game that it was a tactical selection and that Robinson was indeed fit for selection.
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“Jack’s not done enough so that was a selection issue from me,” Wilder said.
“He’s (Bryan) a young player, he’s had a stop start career with us and has picked up some injuries and been away on loan.
“But since coming back, Kean has been with the first team squad and he’s been working really hard, as always. Ethan would have played but he was obviously out and I thought Kean was the best option, so that was down to me.”
Bryan was withdrawn in the second half as United chased the game but in fairness, did little wrong to say it was his debut in the top flight.
Honest as ever, January addition looks a must now
Wilder admitted further in the interview that the position is causing him a problem this term so January now looks a big window for United.
We need someone in there who can slot in and do the business without any issues. Obviously, Ampadu may grow into the position in the coming weeks but Wilder does like balance with a left-footer in there.
January is already looking massive. The summer seemed a positive one but in all honesty, not one signing is really working out as things stand, barring a positive display from Burke again.
Nobody ever imagined Jack O’Connell would be THIS much of a miss. And with Robinson being beaten to selection by Bryan, it seems we still do have a big issue there.
