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Lee Hendrie gives his verdict on Sheffield United signing Mark McGuinness

Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on the signing of Mark McGuinness to Sheffield United.

The 2025/26 campaign has been a living nightmare for all involved at Sheffield United, with the Blades currently sitting rock bottom of the Championship without a point on the board with four games played.

After coming into the season full of optimism with the aim of going one step further than where they finished last season and into the automatic places, things just haven't seemed to click as of yet under new boss Ruben Selles.

With promotion back to the top-flight already seeming to be an unlikely target, it's imperative for Sheffield United that, over the international break, Selles uses the time to get his side back on track and most importantly, start getting positive results.

Despite standards on the pitch being far from where they should be, the Blades left it late to conduct significant business. However, with the deadline day signings of Ben Mee, Chiedozie Ogbene, Alex Matos, and Mark McGuinness, Sheffield United have certainly added to their much-needed squad depth by bringing in a healthy mixture of youth and experience.

The Blades' next fixture comes away to Ipswich in nine days time, where Selles will be looking to quickly integrate the new signings into the team and build some momentum.

Mark McGuinness is just the player Sheffield United need

Sheffield United certainly left it late to complete their desired business in this summer transfer window, which has meant that Selles is now having to adapt to deciding on his starting backline.

The arrival of Ben Godfrey and Japhet Tanganga has meant that they have slotted into the lineup instantly, and with the vastly experienced Mee and McGuinness soon entering the fray, the Blades have sufficient depth that can add stability.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie believes that the singing of McGuinness will prove to be vital for the Blades.

"Sheffield United, they've needed to sign players, they really have. I think that's one thing that has probably been a bit of a downfall for them, and Mark McGuinness is someone that they actually need at this present time."

"I think it's just been a real poor, poor start for them. I think with this international break it's certainly going to need a kickstart after, and new signings are always going to give them that little bit of guidance really."

"So, yeah, I think a good signing."

Mark McGuinness can hit the ground running for Ruben Selles

Having been a key performer in Luton Town's disappointing campaign last season, which saw the Hatters get relegated to League One, the signing of McGuinness has brought about much speculation this summer, with the Irish international widely considered to be too good for the third tier.

The 24-year-old has had a strong start for Luton this season with six games already under his belt. Now making the transition up north, McGuinness would be more than able to settle into becoming a regular starter for the Blades, as he would not only bring with him International experience, but he is also a threat in the final third too, from corners.

Now that Selles has the reinforcements at his disposal, not only in defensive areas, but also in attack, bringing in the likes of well-known goalscorer Danny Ings, we could well see the Blades' season really kickstart after the international break and be a real force to be reckoned with.