Manchester United is always one of the fixtures Sheffield United fans look out for when it comes to Premier League football.
The Blades and the Red Devils have a good history of excellent games against each other at this level, not to mention the history of Brian Deane’s first ever Premier League goal being linked to the fixture. Indeed, the last four PL games between the two have yielded 17 goals.
This weekend’s clash with Man United feels big for the Blades. And with the mood low due to form and injuries, it could be time for Paul Heckingbottom to throw Rhian Brewster into the mix.
Rhian Brewster could get Sheffield United recall v Man United
The former Liverpool man has very much played the role of cheerleader for much of the last year but has found himself involved in recent weeks.
Brewster will have another two weeks under his belt thanks to the international break and with United needing a lift against the Red Devils, Saturday could be the ideal time to throw him in.
Paul Heckingbottom has said he wants to be careful with Brewster, and rightly so. But Cameron Archer has offered little since his debut double and given how results have been going, Hecky has to try and change something where he can.
Brewster’s infectious personality, his desire to now prove himself at the club and at this level, coupled with the fact it’s against one of the giants of the game, could be the perfect tonic to get a performance out of him.
Nothing to lose
With Man United in town, the expectancy is always going to be that they will come to Bramall Lane and simply take the three points.
With that in mind, this is a bit of a nothing to lose game for the Blades. Sure, Heckingbottom will want to stay in the game and ensure there’s no repeat of the Newcastle game.
However, it’s also a chance for the United players to come out fighting and show that, when the chips are down, they can come together and produce.
Putting Rhian Brewster into the XI, then, could well provide United with that bit of spark. And if did just happen to get on the scoresheet, then the whole of Bramall Lane would be absolutely delighted, adding to the feel-good factor of his return.
Certainly, it’s one for the United coaching team to ponder ahead of this weekend.