Billy Sharp is now the sixth choice striker at Sheffield United, reports Yorkshire Live.
Despite being the club captain, Sharp is behind five others in the pecking order for a place upfront.
That’s because manager Chris Wilder is trying to evolve his squad and that means giving opportunities to younger players.
Wilder believes that the forwards at his disposal all bring something different to the team.
Oli McBurnie is regarded as a great target man and suits playing alongside a partner who likes to run in behind. Someone like club record signing Rhian Brewster or Lys Mousset, for example.
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Oli Burke is also in this mould, although as a converted winger he operates more in the channels than Brewster and Mousset.
Although a senior figure like Sharp, David McGoldrick is also getting more game time because of his unique ability as a linkup player.
What does the future hold for Billy Sharp at Sheffield United?
This isn’t to say that Sharp is completely out of the picture under Wilder.
The 34-year-old is still a hugely respected figure and influence at Bramall Lane. That’s why he’s skipper.
Sharp also only extended his stay with the Blades by a further year this summer, signing a new contract until 2022.
It also doesn’t mean that the attacker can’t play his way back into the team. Especially if they keep misfiring in front of goal as they currently are.
United are the joint lowest scorers in the Premier League this season alongside fellow strugglers Burnley with just five goals.
Sharp has netted one of those as well, lest we forget – albeit from the penalty spot to grab the Blades their only point of 2020/21 so far in a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
His poacher instincts probably could have been useful in the recent 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion as well.
Both McBurnie and Mousset wasted great opportunities at the Hawthorns that Sharp would have backed himself to score.
However, for the time being Wilder is looking to the future. And that means no place for Sharp.
