It’s a fair comment to say that Morgan Gibbs-White has settled in quite nicely to life at Sheffield United, ever since arriving on loan from Wolves in the summer.
Gibbs-White, 21, was a surprise late signing for United. After looking short of anything in attack, Slavisa Jokanovic convinced the board to go out and land Gibbs-White, along with the likes of Robin Olsen, Conor Hourihane, and Robin Olsen in goal.
So far, the Wolves man has been a huge success. Six appearances, three goals, two assists, and countless moments of invention have quickly endeared himself to United fans. In fact, not since Dean Henderson has a player become so well-liked since arriving on a temporary basis.
But the reality for United when it comes to Gibbs-White could be a harsh one. Wolves have a January recall option in the deal. And it’s an option which could have huge implications on the Blades’ season.
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Influential
It’s not over the top to say Gibbs-White has transformed how United go about their business. Slavisa Jokanovic was looking for a solution before, in terms of personnel and formation. In Gibbs-White – and the decision to go with Iliman Ndiaye and Ben Osborn – the Blades boss has found something.
Prior to that trio being the Serbian’s first-choice three behind Billy Sharp up top, United had scored just a single league goal. Luton, Swansea, Birmingham, and West Brom, all keeping the Blades at bay with relative ease.
Fast forward six league games since Gibbs-White arrived, and United have scored 13 times, winning three, and drawing one of the last six in the Championship. It’s worth noting United also scored twice in the cup against Southampton.
The Wolves man has, as we can all see, been influential in those figures.
Waiting game
In terms of what January might bring, United face a nervous wait when it comes to what Wolves might do. Luckily, the Molineux outfit have started to pick up of late. The signing of Hwang has given them a lift, while Raul Jimenez is getting back to his best.
That’s good news for United. It means Wolves are back to scoring goals and creating a bit more. Something Gibbs-White very much brings to the table.
Of course, an injury could curtail everything. You never know in football and that would be a sickener for both player and the two clubs involved here.
United, hopefully, will be in and around the top six scrap come January. It goes without saying that we could without needing to replace the brightest spark in this current team.
Wolves, then, could well hold the keys to the door in terms of just how far this Sheffield United side can go under Slavisa Jokanovic.
