Former England Goalkeeper Offers Verdict on Sheffield United Stopper: “Be Ready For Something to Happen…” | OneFootball

When Sheffield United fended off serious interest in Michael Cooper over the summer, it felt like a significant win.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper was one of the Championship’s standout performers last season and had admirers in the Premier League, notably West Ham United and Everton. But Cooper was reluctant to swap his number one spot at Bramall Lane for a role as back-up, particularly at Everton where he would have sat behind England’s number one, Jordan Pickford.

Sheffield United Need Michael Cooper to Rediscover Form

It was easy to see why he drew such attention. Cooper was immense in the Blades’ 2024/25 campaign, registering 21 clean sheets in 43 Championship games and consistently bailing his side out in tight moments. His commanding of the box and shot-stopping is something the Blades had been missing in between his arrival and the departure of the popular Dean Henderson.

Yet, like so many of his teammates, this season has been a different story. Under Ruben Selles, Cooper’s form dipped, his confidence seemingly dented as United struggled to find rhythm and consistency in the back line. He has yet to keep a clean sheet this term, and his goals prevented number (-3.7) is the second-worst in the Championship. For comparison, his goals prevented number last campaign was 5.7.

Now, though, there is fresh hope for the football club. Chris Wilder’s return to Bramall Lane has already sparked optimism across the fanbase, and seemingly the players, as their reaction to seeing him again suggests. Wilder will be counting on Cooper to rediscover his best form alongside other key men from last season such as Gustavo Hamer and Tyrese Campbell.

Charlton Athletic’s visit to Bramall Lane this Saturday provides the perfect stage for Cooper, and others, to begin that resurgence as United look to steer their campaign in the right direction.

Ex-England International Goalkeeper Shares His Thoughts on Michael Cooper

Former England international David James recently weighed in on Cooper’s future and the speculation that continues to swirl:

“There comes a point where if you’re not in a good position, and one of your main assets is your goalkeeper, then you’re going to ask ‘how do we get out of this position?’ and ‘are we going to sell our main assets?’

He, as an individual, would have to look at it and say ‘where am I going to go?’ if the opportunity arose. When you look at the Premier League at the moment, and I’m flicking through all the goalkeepers in the Premier League, for once, I don’t think there’s a weakness.

Therefore, what are the options you’ve got? For a player like him, and it sounds very old and very clichéd, is to get your head down and work hard and get your team out of trouble. If nothing transpires in January, then be ready for something to happen in the summer.” [via Yorkshire Post].

Premier League Teams Could Come Crawling Back to Blades For Cooper

Michael Cooper pulls off a spectacular save to keep the score level between Sheffield United and Portsmouth. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

Those of a Sheffield United persuasion will be hopeful that Cooper can rediscover his form, and given the high calibre of defenders in front of him he certainly has a chance to replicate last season’s heroics.

Of course, there could be a genuine possibility that: Cooper, along with the rest of the team, kick their season into gear from now up until the new year, and then a struggling Premier League side expresses interest in the former Plymouth Argyle man once more. If that was to happen, it could leave a very interesting decision for the United board if indeed an attractive offer was to be tabled.

Stats taken from Opta.