Flashing Blade 121 opens with an assessment of United's season, as it was at the beginning of October.
Eight games gone and the league table is shaping up largely as expected. We have the three relegated teams occupying the top three positions, followed by two of last season’s play-off teams (Preston and United) and Cardiff City, who were seventh last year.
United have played Middlesbrough and West Brom and matched them both and have lost just once, yet the Blades have only really dominated in one game - Watford at home.
Leicester City surprised United with their effervescence, while United struggled to hold off Wednesday’s comeback when the result should have been done and dusted at half time.
Away from home, there was an ultimately comfortable win at Reading and another victory at Derby where United were never in trouble, but it could easily have ended 0-0. However, the 3-2 defeat at Coventry exposed the weaknesses in United’s make-up.
Those weaknesses aren’t in the quality of the players but in the depth of the squad. United have named only six substitutes in several matches and allowing Leigh Bromby and Billy Sharp to leave before replacements were obtained further depleted the numbers.
Bromby’s departure left Kevin Blackwell dangerously thin at centre half, a situation that should not have occurred and which led directly to Coventry’s win. Matt Kilgallon’s absence meant not one defensive reshuffle, but two.
An excellent right back, Kyle Walker, had to move across to an unaccustomed position, something that such an inexperienced player should not have had to do, and where he was given a hard time by Leon Best. And Ryan France, not a natural right back, had to play there. The result was an understandable lack of cohesion in what was previously one of the best in the division.
Fortunately Andrew Davies arrived on loan from Stoke in the nick of time to play against Wednesday and after a nervous start he looks to have the tools to be a reliable performer.
But as soon as we find a solution to one area of concern, another problem arises.
The loss of Jamie Ward will hurt, not just because he has been United’s best player so far, but also because of the lack of striking options it gives Blackwell. Unless he has brought someone else in by the time you read this, he has only Ched Evans and Darius Henderson and if anything should happen to them… and Darius is bound to be suspended soon.
Going back to Ward, Blackwell must be delighted with the progress he has made. He came from League Two Chesterfield as, in Blackwell’s words, a “development player”. But his performances, whether up front or wide right or left, have made him an automatic choice.
His size probably counted against him early in his career but he more than makes up for that with commitment, tenacity and audacity. He is nippy, persistent and never gives opponents a moment’s peace. As I’ve said before, he’s a right pest.
He also tries things other players wouldn’t think of, like chips, lobs and shots with his ‘wrong’ foot. Unlike some, he’s not afraid to shoot and his goals at Reading and Coventry prove that he’s quite good at that particular skill.
Keith Treacy has been the most impressive of the newcomers, showing a bit of trickery, a bit of pace, a decent shot with either foot and good crossing ability, whether from open play or set pieces.
Ched Evans was affected by his lack of pre-season training and has flitted in and out of matches, but he has scored two and created two more. Andy Taylor is improving as he gains confidence and gets used to the higher level of football, but we haven’t seen enough of Kyel Reid or Glen Little to judge them.
Ryan France is the type of player every squad needs and he’ll be a regularly used substitute when we are leading late in games. Mark Bunn, meanwhile, has been consistent and mistake free.
The newest recruit, James Harper, is still finding his feet but if he can find his Reading form of three years ago he’ll be a great addition.
So, to sum up, a promising start but nothing to get carried away about and there are areas United still need to strengthen and improve.
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