Aaron Ramsdale is unlikely to be replaced as Sheffield United number one any time soon.
Some have questioned the performances of the goalkeeper since making an £18.5m (BBC Sport) return to Bramall Lane from Bournemouth in August.
Ramsdale was signed with the unenviable task of replacing Dean Henderson between the posts.
Henderson had enjoyed two impressive years on loan at the Blades from Manchester United prior to the 22-year-old’s arrival.
During that time the South Yorkshire club were promoted to the Premier League and finished ninth in their first top flight campaign in 12 years. It was their highest position since 1992.
Not only that, but Henderson kept a Championship-high 21 clean sheets during that promotion season in 2018/19. He then helped Chris Wilder’s side to the fourth best defensive record in the division last term, only bettered by the eventual top three.
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Things haven’t gone anywhere near as well this time around. Ramsdale is yet to keep a clean sheet and the Blades are currently bottom of the table with just one point from 11 games.
Why Aaron Ramsdale won’t lose Sheffield United place
This poor form has led some to call for Ramsdale to be replaced in goal.
The England Under-21 international has certainly made mistakes in 2020/21. Ramsdale should have done better with goals during defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Yet he is far from the only one at fault. In fact, those in front of Ramsdale are arguably much more to blame for the defensive problems.
Plus, Yorkshire Live reports deputy Michael Verrips isn’t considered ready to be a first team regular.
Verrips was signed from KV Mechelen in 2019, but has played just once since – the FA Cup third round victory over AFC Fylde in January.
Summer signing Wes Foderingham appears to be ahead of the Dutchman, having featured in the Carabao Cup loss to Burnley this season.
Yet the highest level Foderingham has played at is the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. In England, the majority of the 29-year-old’s experience is in League One with Swindon Town.
Ramsdale is here to stay. Otherwise so much money wouldn’t have been spent to bring him back from the Cherries.