Is this the best Sheffield United XI after the January transfer window? Phillips in, Arblaster out | OneFootball

Here’s what we believe the best Sheffield United line-up is now, if everyone stays fit

Sheffield United had a busy January transfer window as they looked to bolster their squad for the remainder of the campaign.

They saw all of Kalvin Phillips, Joe Rothwell, Ki-Jana Hoever and Leo Hjelde walk through the doors, with Rothwell the only permanent deal of the quartet.

The condensed nature of the Championship table means a run of good results could see the Blades move up the table quite quickly, something Chris Wilder will be hopeful this winter recruits can help with.

Here, Football League World takes a look at Sheffield United’s new best XI following their recent business…

GK – Michael Cooper

It was undoubtedly a tough first half of the season for the Blades, with the 5-0 against Ipswich Town in September a particular low point, but there is little doubt who the no.1 between the sticks at Bramall Lane is.

Adam Davies is an experienced deputy with 125 Championship games to his name, but Michael Cooper is likely one of the first names on Wilder’s teamsheet.

RB – Femi Seriki

The fitness struggles of Jamie Shackleton made the loan signing of Ki-Jana Hoever a necessity, with the added bonus that he fill in across the backline.

The Dutchman got his first two chances in January, and is a very strong rotation option, but as things stand it doesn’t feel like he’s done enough to unseat Femi Seriki at right-back in the Blades’ strongest XI.

CB – Japhet Tanganga

Former Millwall man Japhet Tanganga has quickly established himself as one of United’s key defensive figures since his summer move, despite competing against some top-class acquisitions in Mark McGuinness and Ben Mee.

CB – Ben Mee

That summer recruitment makes it a tough call picking who is to partner Tanganga in this strongest XI, but it’s difficult to look past the experience of Ben Mee in what is, in places, a relatively young starting XI.

Mark McGuinness is also a strong option, and will often be Wilder’s option as he picks and chooses when to deploy the 36-year-old Mee, but with everyone at full fitness, the former Brentford man has a lot to offer.

LB – Harrison Burrows

Harrison Burrows has been battling with Sam McCallum all season for the Blades’ left-back berth, but the latter has just been struck down with a long-term injury.

That made Leo Hjelde’s signing necessary, and he’s another strong deputy, but with all things considered, especially knowing what Burrows can offer at the other end, he’s the strongest option of the three. Hjelde could be forced to prove otherwise from the bench.

CDM – Sydie Peck

Just 21 years old, Sydie Peck is one of United’s key players and, despite his age, has even captained the side on occasion this season.

He’s a solid presence in the middle, offering plenty defensively but also chipping in at the other end with notable goals and assists.

CDM – Kalvin Phillips

The Blades are arguably their strongest in midfield, which makes it difficult for new recruits to break in, but few in the squad bring the experience of Kalvin Phillips.

His move to Manchester City has been fraught with difficulty, but he’s still only 30 years old and hasn’t played a lot of football, so should still have plenty in the tank. If he’s given enough opportunity, United could have a player way beyond the level at their disposal.

RW – Andre Brooks

The likes of Tahith Chong and Chiedozie Ogbene are both options on the right flank, but neither are likely to keep Andre Brooks out of the team at the minute.

Not only is Brooks a Blades academy product, the success of whom fans always love to see, he’s also started 2026 incredibly strong in front of goal, and Wilder will not want to get in the 22-year-old’s way.

CAM – Callum O’Hare

Nobody has been more important to United in a creative sense this season than Callum O’Hare, who has already bettered his 2024/25 goal contribution haul by some distance this term.

When a player is performing like O’Hare is, you have to play them in their best position, which for the 27-year-old, as his squad number suggests, is the no.10 role.

LW – Gus Hamer

Whether it’s out wide or through the middle, the most important thing when it comes to Gus Hamer is that he’s on the pitch.

He is that brand of mercurial talent who can create something from nothing and always looks ready to contribute.

He’s long been thought to be above second-tier level, and could well move on at some point soon, but while he’s here, the Blades need to make the most of him.