Michael Verrips is yet to play for Sheffield United since signing on a free transfer over the summer.
Part of that is due to Dean Henderson being the established first choice goalkeeper. The Manchester United loanee has played all 12 of their Premier League matches in 2019/20.
When the Blades have taken a break from top flight action Simon Moore has been recalled as number one. The 29-year-old played in both Carabao Cup games before Chris Wilder’s men were knocked out by Sunderland.
Yet there is an issue for the first game after the international break because the Red Devils are the visitors to Bramall Lane.
As part of the terms of Henderson’s loan agreement, the stopper cannot play against his parent club.
Will Michael Verrips play for Sheffield United?
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This may seem like a good opportunity to give Verrips his first run out in a Blades shirt. Unfortunately, his situation is a little more complicated.
Verrips left KV Mechelen in controversial circumstances this summer. Despite being under contract, the Dutchman felt it was null and void when the club were removed from the Europa League following a match fixing investigation.
Verrips terminated his deal and joined the Blades on a free transfer. The Belgian side disagreed and lodged a complaint with Fifa. Football’s word governing body has confirmed to the Sheffield Star that the case is still ongoing.
It was previously reported that the South Yorkshire team would not play Verrips until the investigation was concluded. This was due to fears that naming the 22-year-old in a match day squad could potentially compromise the result.
That has remained the case in the league, but Verrips was included among the substitutes for both Carabao Cup fixtures.
According to the BBC, the Blades have no concerns over the deal. That is because Mechelen’s issue is not with them, but Verrips himself. However, they do feel they are owed money for the ‘keeper.
So will Verrips play against Man United? Not according to the Sheffield Star, who say Moore will start. But Verrips will be on the bench.