It’s easy to look on in hindsight at players linked with Sheffield United in the last few years, especially given the fact the majority of Chris Wilder’s signings in the summer of 2020 have been underwhelming.
The then-Blades boss made moves in the market after securing a ninth place finish with United in their first season back in the Premier League.
That summer, Wilder signed Aaron Ramsdale for £18m, Rhian Brewster for £20m, while Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe from Derby also arrived. Callum Robinson swapped places with Oli Burke at West Brom, and in came Chelsea youngster, Ethan Ampadu, on loan. Those additions were meant to help build on the excellent 19/20 campaign, and the January signing of Sander Berge for around £22m.
Sadly, as we all know, only Ramsdale and arguably Bogle can be considered successes from that group. The fact United got close to £30m for ‘Rammers’, means it was good business in the end.
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Interestingly, one of the names linked that summer is now thriving in the Premier League with Watford. That man is Emmanuel Dennis.
Emmanuel Dennis proving the real deal for Watford
Watford signed Dennis in the summer on a five-year deal from Club Bruges.
Since that arrival, he’s proven to be a shrewd acquisition for a Watford side who, predictably, have already changed manager. Claudio Ranieri is now in charge, and Dennis has made an instant impact on the Italian. After being introduced against Everton last weekend, the Nigerian forward scored and set two up in a blistering 26 minute cameo.
So far, it’s three goals, and three assists for Dennis. Although, he has already hit the five yellow card limit and faces suspension. A nod, maybe, to the discipline issues we highlighted a while back.
But with United landing Rhian Brewster instead of Dennis that summer, and the former Liverpool man struggling, it begs the question of ‘did we get another bit of business wrong?’. Current evidence suggests yes.
It will be interesting to see if Dennis can maintain his good start at Vicarage Road. Watford will, in all likelihood, struggle. But the Nigerian’s goals, pace, and power in the final third could help prevent that.
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