“We Are Trying” – Sheffield United Boss Admits Talks With International Have Taken Place | OneFootball

Sheffield United continued their impressive pre-season preparations with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon, as Chris Wilder’s side produced another encouraging display ahead of the new Championship campaign.

United wasted little time in asserting themselves and almost found an early breakthrough through Tom Cannon. Gustavo Hamer, who was once again at the heart of everything creative, threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the striker’s path, but under pressure from goalkeeper Cann, Cannon could only scuff his finish wide of the target.

Hamer continued to dictate proceedings and soon unlocked the Rotherham defence once more. His incisive through ball released Callum O’Hare clean through on goal, only for Cann to stand tall and deny the midfielder in a one-on-one situation.

Despite the missed opportunities, the visitors remained patient and their dominance was finally rewarded just before the interval. Hamer’s vision unlocked the Millers defence yet again, finding Tahith Chong in space. The winger skipped beyond Humphreys before showing great composure to slot beyond the advancing Cann and hand Sheffield United a thoroughly deserved 1-0 lead at half-time.

United picked up where they left off after the restart and doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second half with the standout moment of the match. Collecting possession around 25 yards from goal, O’Hare created a yard of space with a sharp turn before unleashing a sensational strike that arrowed beyond Cann and into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game and effectively ended the contest, with Wilder’s men comfortably seeing out another successful afternoon.

Sheffield United Boss Confirms Defenders Are Not Part of His Plans

While pleased with another positive performance, Wilder admitted after the match that strengthening his defence remains a priority before the start of the season.

The United boss confirmed the club are actively looking to bring in central defenders and suggested that both Mark McGuinness and Nils could be heading in different directions.

“We can’t just go into the season with Japh and Jamal,” Wilder said to SUTV. “And Nils needs to go out on loan. I’ve spoken to Mark McGuinness about his future, and he’s been a super pro, so he’s come on and done what he’s done [in pre-season].

“Like I’ve said to all the players, you never know who’s watching these games. Mark’s not part of the plans moving forward, but at the minute he’s contracted to Sheffield United. If he’s here when the window shuts then he’ll be part of the first team. But I don’t see him starting for us. That’s an area that I’m looking to change.”

Those comments make it clear Wilder is still targeting at least one new centre-back before the Mansfield Town cup tie.

Chris Wilder Openly Admits Talks With Leicester Man

One player firmly on Sheffield United’s radar is former loan favourite Harry Souttar, and Wilder confirmed discussions with Leicester City are already taking place.

“He’s one that’s got history with us, and we have been linked with him as well,” Wilder revealed.

“We’ve already had conversations with Leicester about taking him, so the conversations will be ongoing. He’s a player I like and he had a great time on the pitch with us and off the pitch with the supporters and how much they rated and valued him.”

When asked whether a deal is realistic, Wilder stopped short of making any promises but insisted the recruitment team are working hard behind the scenes.

“We identify. We use a data team that chucks out players, we identify players, and without passing the book it’s my job to coach and manage the team. But I know we are trying.”

If Sheffield United are able to secure the signature of Harry Souttar then it will be a huge signing for the club heading into the first month of the campaign. The Blades severely lacked a commanding and experienced presence in the box last term, and the Australian giant would certainly tick this box as well as adding composure on the ball to help build attacks from the back.