Lys Mousset is likely to be among the players fearing the worst this summer after Slavisa Jokanovic apparently fired an early warning to his new squad.
Per a report from the Sheffield Star, it’s been suggested Jokanovic has already got one message across. That message is one of a man who knows what he wants, and knows what he won’t tolerate.
The Serbian – due to start work next week on an official basis – has reportedly insisted that anyone lacking commitment to the cause be removed from the group. And while it’s not directed at anyone in particular, there’ll be some in this United squad looking over their shoulders.
One such player will be French striker, Lys Mousset. We already wrote this week how the former Bournemouth man faces a career-defining summer.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
And with Jokanovic’s message now apparently confirmed, ‘Moose’ really will need to get his head down. Numerous reports, in addition to comments from Chris Wilder, suggest the striker is not quite the professional he should be at times.
Indeed, the fact Mousset hasn’t completed 90 minutes in two seasons at the club, suggests a lack of fitness. Sure, he’s had injuries. But prior to those, he rarely looked fully fit.
If Jokanovic is making his mark with this message, then Mousset is among the group of players who need to sharpen up.
Sheffield United News View: Mousset not alone in needing to step up to the plate
Most Blades will accept Mousset needs to do more. Most Blades also accept that on his day, he’s a fine striker and a game-changer. But it’s unfair to simply single him out.
Other United players could do more. Purely from the outside looking in, someone like Oliver Burke is a prime example. He bumbled his way through last season, without ever really making an impact. His demeanour – at times – left a lot to be desired.
There was also talk in the early season of the likes of Fleck and Norwood downing tools a bit. In fairness to those two, they did finish the season well and will be key this coming season.
Of course, we all know about John Lundstram. That was a mistake from Chris Wilder. The midfielder should have been out of the squad like Mark Duffy was the year before. Jokanovic, it seems, won’t stand for that.
Kean Bryan finds himself in that boat now too. He’s not signed a new deal, so it remains to be seen if he’ll even come back to pre-season.
Jokanovic, then, has made his first mark on this squad before he’s even got started.
