When the dust settles...planning for next season

[Balham]

Once we get over the disappointment of the play off defeat we need to turn our attentions to next season. We have a clear plan with Heckingbottom's 5-2-3 / 3-4-3 variant of Wilderball. There are some big issues we need to address in the squad:

Goalkeepers
First choice: Wes Foderingham. Spent his first season at United as Aaron Ramsdale's backup and the first part of his second season here no doubt getting increasing pissed off at Robin Olsen's lackadaisical attitude and frequent mistakes. Took his chance when Olsen picked up a knock and hasn't looked back. Surprised, I think, pretty much everyone with how good he's been.
Others: Jake Eastwood and Adam Davies are out of contract; Jordan Amissah and Marcus Dewhurst are reaching career crossroads and we have Callum Hiddlestone in the U18s to push the two younger lads. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Davies stay for another year as backup but it will be thank you and goodbye to Eastwood, who at 25 really needs to get a permanent role somewhere. Amissah and Dewhurst should be targeting loan spells as first choice keepers at National League or League 2 level.

Defenders
First choice: Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson. Basham signed a new two year deal earlier this month and looks set to push towards 400 United appearances. He's suffered with injuries for the first time in his United career and may need more careful management next season but the right sided centre half spot is his to lose. Egan has been a stalwart, playing every minute of every league game this season and taking the armband whenever Sharp was out but if push comes to shove he's one of our most saleable assets (under contract to 2024 and one of our highest earners) and if funds need to be raised he may be sold. Robinson started this season in dreadful from with a number of errors leading to goals (Preston, Peterborough, West Brom amongst others) but to his credit he knuckled down and turned it around and he is now first choice left centre back. United triggered an option to tie Robinson down to the end of next season.
Others: Felip Uremovic, Ben Davies and Charlie Goode are on loan and will return to their parent clubs. Ky Gordon made a number of first team appearances when Basham was out and while he didn't set the world on first he also didn't look drastically out of his depth: a League One loan beckons. Kacper Lopata had a hugely successful loan spell at Southend and may stay around to push Egan in particular. Nickseon Gomis and Miguel Freckleton in the U23s will be targeting loan spells with the former needing to push on if he is to make it at the Lane. Jack O'Connell remains under contract but time is surely running out for him, sad as that is.

Wing backs
First choice: Jayden Bogle, George Baldock, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Enda Stevens. Horses for courses on the right with the attacking threat of Bogle and the more aggressive defending of Baldock battling it out. Baldock had one of his best ever games in a Blades shirt at the City Ground but, as with Egan, he may be quietly available to generate funds given just how good Bogle was at the turn of the year. On the left Stevens has declined drastically over the last couple of seasons and may be moved on, if only to save on the wages, with Norrington-Davies needing to work on his attacking output but solid defensively.
Others: Femi Seriki came in for the Forest regular season home game and looked well out of his depth after a torrid loan spell at Beerschot. In his defence, he had the one-footed Ben Davies playing at RCB but he has since dropped down to Boston in the National League North to get some gametime and, by all accounts, he's tearing it up there. However, with the two senior pros in front of him he should be looking at a L1/L2 loan next season. Joe Starbuck joined from Grimsby and has made the first team bench; he should be looking for a National League/League 2 laon. Max Lowe has spent the year on loan at Forest and will probably join them permanently with the price dependent on their game at Wembley. Ben Osborn has filled in at right and left wingback this season and is here next season having had his contract extended but he is in danger of becoming a jack of all trades and master of none.

Midfielders
First choice: Oli Norwood, John Fleck, Sander Berge. One of the first things Heckingbottom and particularly Stuart McCall did after taking over was move Berge 20 yards further up the pitch. He has been revelatory in the insight right position but he's a full international who joined us as a highly rated prospect when we were in the Premier League. He doesn't seem the type to do a Ramsdale and force a move away but you can be sure that his representatives will be fully briefed to secure him a move back to the top flight either in England or one of the other big leagues. Whether that happens or not will depend on United's asking price which will remain around the £25m mark. Norwood had a mixed season; he remains our fulcrum but he was successfully targeted by a number of sides' pressing and that hampered our play. He's here next season with his contract running to June 2023 and it's hard to see him not being first choice. Fleck had a mixed season together with the frightening collapse at Reading in November suggesting that his better days may be behind him. Another one with a contract to the end of next season he'll start alongside Norwood in midfield next season.
Others: Conor Hourihane came in on loan and didn't do enough in my view to earn a permanent deal, I'd not be at all surprised if he ended up reuniting with Dean Smith at Norwich next season. Ben Osborn: see above. Sydie Peck is gaining good reviews in the U18s and U23s but at 17 years old he's definitely one for the future, same as 18 year old Oliver Arblaster who we will look to send on loan next season. Harrison Neal and Zak Brunt spent time away from United at National League level and will want spells in League 1 or League 2 next season.
Released: Luke Freeman. Great when a big fish in a little pond, he's now just big. Went to Forest last season and barely played, went to Millwall for the second half of this season but picked up a season-ending injury after one substitute appearance. He'll be little more than a footnote in the review of this decade.

Forwards
First choice: Billy Sharp, Rhian Brewster, Iliman Ndiaye. Both Sharp and Brewster missed the end of the season through injury but with Sharp's contract being extended to the end of 2023 it's clear that he wants to push us on to promotion again. We have to manage his workload better though with him turning 37 during the 22/23 season. Brewster turned a corner as 2021 moved to 2022, scoring a couple of goals and clearly regaining his belief; he'll want to come back stronger from a bad hamstring injury. Ndiaye was a breakthrough talent this season, scoring 5 league goals and while he's clearly still learning he has the ability to fill Gibbs-White's role as attacking talisman next season.
Others: Oli McBurnie ended up a figure of ridicule after one of the worst seasons for any United player: no league goals, debilitating illness, frequent injuries. It's up to him where he goes from here; either he knuckles down and rebuilds his United career next season (his last under contract) or he will be loaned out as it's unlikely anyone will give us a fee for him. Oli Burke was a ridiculous signing and is clearly surplus to requirements. Daniel Jebbison was a victim of our injury crisis, recalled from Burton where he had started scoring regularly to sit on our bench he looked unsure of himself and his role. Still has the potential but is in danger of falling behind Will Osula in the pecking order. One or both may head back out on loan next season.
Released: David McGoldrick was given a hero's send off and has everyone's best wishes for the future. Morgan Gibbs-White came in on loan and left one of us; he'll be pushing for England recognition by this time next year if he manages his time right. Lys Mousset had it all - pace, ability, finishing - except the application and desire. Will probably be signed by a struggling Spanish top flight team in desperation and play fewer than 10 games for them.

What do we need?
First and foremost for me we need a new midfielder or two. Norwood and Fleck are coming towards the end of their careers, harsh though that may be, and both are relatively diminutive in stature. We need to find a sizeable #6, someone who can relieve the ballwinning pressure on Norwood and also provide support to let Norwood dictate games again. Next up would be a replacement for Berge and/or Egan if they leave which may be difficult; we also need cover at left sided centre half. We still have most of Chris Wilder's striker stockpile so we should be OK for forwards. Backup keeper will be Davies if he accepts terms and finally despite his idiotic red card I can see us investigating Charlie Goode's availability

Keep as their value to us is greater than their market value: Foderingham, Basham, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Bogle, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn, Sharp, Brewster, Ndiaye
Sell to raise funds, if that's what we need: Egan, Berge, Baldock
Make available: Stevens, McBurnie
Actively look to move on: Burke (free if necessary), Lowe
Loan out: Dewhurst, Amissah, Seriki, Starbuck, Arblaster, Brunt, Neal, one of Osula or Jebbison

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

Retain:
GK - Foderingham, Davies
DEF - Lowe, RND, Bogle, Baldock, Basham, Robinson
MID - Ndiaye, Osborn
STR - Sharp, Brewster

Release/Sell:
Egan, Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Berge, Burke, McBurnie

Some of the players in my released list are there to raise funds for transfers, others because they've had their day and they look shadows of their former selves.

I've left out the youngsters for now as I was more concerned with the main senior squad of regulars. With a good preseason behind him Lopata could be the replacement for Egan.

 

[GuangzhouBlade]

Retain:
GK - Foderingham, Davies
DEF - Lowe, RND, Bogle, Baldock, Basham, Robinson
MID - Ndiaye, Osborn
STR - Sharp, Brewster

Release/Sell:
Egan, Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Berge, Burke, McBurnie

Some of the players in my released list are there to raise funds for transfers, others because they've had their day and they look shadows of their former selves.

I've left out the youngsters for now as I was more concerned with the main senior squad of regulars. With a good preseason behind him Lopata could be the replacement for Egan.

What on earth have I just read? Decimate the core of a squad that will be top 6 or better next season?

All players have their price but why on earth would we actively try to sell players under contract who are more than capable in this division and arguably the league above. I would be planning to lose Berge for sure so midfield has to be the focus. What you are advocating here though is keeping hold of 13 players, we aren't going to sign ten players in the summer and nor should we. Replacing MGW and Berge will be hard but don't make it harder by getting rid of Norwood and Fleck.

Lopata was unable to force his way into the defence this season even when it was decimated with injuries. Why is he now all of a sudden the replacement for a full International who has premier league admirers. Have you seen much of him play?

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

What on earth have I just read? Decimate the core of a squad that will be top 6 or better next season?

All players have their price but why on earth would we actively try to sell players under contract who are more than capable in this divisions and the league above. I would be planning to lose Berge for sure so midfield has to be the focus. What you are advocating there is keeping hold of 13 players, we aren't going to sign ten players in the summer and nor should we. Replacing MGW and Berge will be hard but don't make it harder by getting rid of Norwood and Fleck.

Norwood is a 50/50 player. Sometimes he's the best player, the next match he's invisible and he's been consistently poor all season at tracking back. How many players have run past him with ease and gone on to score or create a goal? His free kicks and corners are woeful and he contributes little over the season in goals and assists. He's too inconsistent and we need someone who can put in the same performance every week.

Fleck is a washed up has been who puts in one good performance every ten games, same with Stevens. Neither have consistently performed or contributed for over two seasons now. We can't keep relying on unreliable players. Sentiment has no place in football.

Burke and McBurnie are absolute jokes as far as strikers are concerned. They offer nothing and are taking up spaces in the squad and wages.

That leaves Berge and Egan. Berge will go as someone will buy him in the summer. That's inevitable. We're unlikely to get big fees or any for the others mentioned other than Norwood, so that leaves Egan as the only other sellable asset, and I would sell in order to get us more money to spend to replacement players and strengthening the team.

Even with these gone we'd have a potential starting eleven of;

GK - Foderingham
DL - RND
DC - Robinson
DC - Lopate or ???
DC - Basham
DR - Bogle
CM - ????
CM - ????
AM - Ndiaye
ST - Sharp
ST - Brewster

When Wilder took over he was ruthless in releasing, loaning out or selling players and we only had about thirteen players before he started to sign anyone. That turned out fine in the end.

 

[Wards]

I can see us investigating Charlie Goode's availability

I bloody hope not. Carrying too many injuries to be considered for me.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Once we get over the disappointment of the play off defeat we need to turn our attentions to next season. We have a clear plan with Heckingbottom's 5-2-3 / 3-4-3 variant of Wilderball. There are some big issues we need to address in the squad:

Goalkeepers
First choice: Wes Foderingham. Spent his first season at United as Aaron Ramsdale's backup and the first part of his second season here no doubt getting increasing pissed off at Robin Olsen's lackadaisical attitude and frequent mistakes. Took his chance when Olsen picked up a knock and hasn't looked back. Surprised, I think, pretty much everyone with how good he's been.
Others: Jake Eastwood and Adam Davies are out of contract; Jordan Amissah and Marcus Dewhurst are reaching career crossroads and we have Callum Hiddlestone in the U18s to push the two younger lads. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Davies stay for another year as backup but it will be thank you and goodbye to Eastwood, who at 25 really needs to get a permanent role somewhere. Amissah and Dewhurst should be targeting loan spells as first choice keepers at National League or League 2 level.

Defenders
First choice: Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson. Basham signed a new two year deal earlier this month and looks set to push towards 400 United appearances. He's suffered with injuries for the first time in his United career and may need more careful management next season but the right sided centre half spot is his to lose. Egan has been a stalwart, playing every minute of every league game this season and taking the armband whenever Sharp was out but if push comes to shove he's one of our most saleable assets (under contract to 2024 and one of our highest earners) and if funds need to be raised he may be sold. Robinson started this season in dreadful from with a number of errors leading to goals (Preston, Peterborough, West Brom amongst others) but to his credit he knuckled down and turned it around and he is now first choice left centre back. United triggered an option to tie Robinson down to the end of next season.
Others: Felip Uremovic, Ben Davies and Charlie Goode are on loan and will return to their parent clubs. Ky Gordon made a number of first team appearances when Basham was out and while he didn't set the world on first he also didn't look drastically out of his depth: a League One loan beckons. Kacper Lopata had a hugely successful loan spell at Southend and may stay around to push Egan in particular. Nickseon Gomis and Miguel Freckleton in the U23s will be targeting loan spells with the former needing to push on if he is to make it at the Lane. Jack O'Connell remains under contract but time is surely running out for him, sad as that is.

Wing backs
First choice: Jayden Bogle, George Baldock, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Enda Stevens. Horses for courses on the right with the attacking threat of Bogle and the more aggressive defending of Baldock battling it out. Baldock had one of his best ever games in a Blades shirt at the City Ground but, as with Egan, he may be quietly available to generate funds given just how good Bogle was at the turn of the year. On the left Stevens has declined drastically over the last couple of seasons and may be moved on, if only to save on the wages, with Norrington-Davies needing to work on his attacking output but solid defensively.
Others: Femi Seriki came in for the Forest regular season home game and looked well out of his depth after a torrid loan spell at Beerschot. In his defence, he had the one-footed Ben Davies playing at RCB but he has since dropped down to Boston in the National League North to get some gametime and, by all accounts, he's tearing it up there. However, with the two senior pros in front of him he should be looking at a L1/L2 loan next season. Joe Starbuck joined from Grimsby and has made the first team bench; he should be looking for a National League/League 2 laon. Max Lowe has spent the year on loan at Forest and will probably join them permanently with the price dependent on their game at Wembley. Ben Osborn has filled in at right and left wingback this season and is here next season having had his contract extended but he is in danger of becoming a jack of all trades and master of none.

Midfielders
First choice: Oli Norwood, John Fleck, Sander Berge. One of the first things Heckingbottom and particularly Stuart McCall did after taking over was move Berge 20 yards further up the pitch. He has been revelatory in the insight right position but he's a full international who joined us as a highly rated prospect when we were in the Premier League. He doesn't seem the type to do a Ramsdale and force a move away but you can be sure that his representatives will be fully briefed to secure him a move back to the top flight either in England or one of the other big leagues. Whether that happens or not will depend on United's asking price which will remain around the £25m mark. Norwood had a mixed season; he remains our fulcrum but he was successfully targeted by a number of sides' pressing and that hampered our play. He's here next season with his contract running to June 2023 and it's hard to see him not being first choice. Fleck had a mixed season together with the frightening collapse at Reading in November suggesting that his better days may be behind him. Another one with a contract to the end of next season he'll start alongside Norwood in midfield next season.
Others: Conor Hourihane came in on loan and didn't do enough in my view to earn a permanent deal, I'd not be at all surprised if he ended up reuniting with Dean Smith at Norwich next season. Ben Osborn: see above. Sydie Peck is gaining good reviews in the U18s and U23s but at 17 years old he's definitely one for the future, same as 18 year old Oliver Arblaster who we will look to send on loan next season. Harrison Neal and Zak Brunt spent time away from United at National League level and will want spells in League 1 or League 2 next season.
Released: Luke Freeman. Great when a big fish in a little pond, he's now just big. Went to Forest last season and barely played, went to Millwall for the second half of this season but picked up a season-ending injury after one substitute appearance. He'll be little more than a footnote in the review of this decade.

Forwards
First choice: Billy Sharp, Rhian Brewster, Iliman Ndiaye. Both Sharp and Brewster missed the end of the season through injury but with Sharp's contract being extended to the end of 2023 it's clear that he wants to push us on to promotion again. We have to manage his workload better though with him turning 37 during the 22/23 season. Brewster turned a corner as 2021 moved to 2022, scoring a couple of goals and clearly regaining his belief; he'll want to come back stronger from a bad hamstring injury. Ndiaye was a breakthrough talent this season, scoring 5 league goals and while he's clearly still learning he has the ability to fill Gibbs-White's role as attacking talisman next season.
Others: Oli McBurnie ended up a figure of ridicule after one of the worst seasons for any United player: no league goals, debilitating illness, frequent injuries. It's up to him where he goes from here; either he knuckles down and rebuilds his United career next season (his last under contract) or he will be loaned out as it's unlikely anyone will give us a fee for him. Oli Burke was a ridiculous signing and is clearly surplus to requirements. Daniel Jebbison was a victim of our injury crisis, recalled from Burton where he had started scoring regularly to sit on our bench he looked unsure of himself and his role. Still has the potential but is in danger of falling behind Will Osula in the pecking order. One or both may head back out on loan next season.
Released: David McGoldrick was given a hero's send off and has everyone's best wishes for the future. Morgan Gibbs-White came in on loan and left one of us; he'll be pushing for England recognition by this time next year if he manages his time right. Lys Mousset had it all - pace, ability, finishing - except the application and desire. Will probably be signed by a struggling Spanish top flight team in desperation and play fewer than 10 games for them.

What do we need?
First and foremost for me we need a new midfielder or two. Norwood and Fleck are coming towards the end of their careers, harsh though that may be, and both are relatively diminutive in stature. We need to find a sizeable #6, someone who can relieve the ballwinning pressure on Norwood and also provide support to let Norwood dictate games again. Next up would be a replacement for Berge and/or Egan if they leave which may be difficult; we also need cover at left sided centre half. We still have most of Chris Wilder's striker stockpile so we should be OK for forwards. Backup keeper will be Davies if he accepts terms and finally despite his idiotic red card I can see us investigating Charlie Goode's availability

Keep as their value to us is greater than their market value: Foderingham, Basham, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Bogle, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn, Sharp, Brewster, Ndiaye
Sell to raise funds, if that's what we need: Egan, Berge, Baldock
Make available: Stevens, McBurnie
Actively look to move on: Burke (free if necessary), Lowe
Loan out: Dewhurst, Amissah, Seriki, Starbuck, Arblaster, Brunt, Neal, one of Osula or Jebbison

Good post.

I agree on finding replacements for Fleck and Norwood. Not in the sense that they aren't good enough, just that beyond the first 11 last night we had absolutely nothing on the bench and we should look to have 2 decent players in each position. The thing with how we play is that it's not just a case of having spare midfielders, we need a spare LM, DM and RM, you can't just get a generalist to do all of these jobs anywhere approaching 'well'.

Defensively we are ok all across the back line and have 2 players each at RWB and LWB, we need more depth in the CB options though and Ben Davies hopefully isn't here next season, not good enough.

Forwards, if Brewster comes back and can find form it's like a new signing. Him and Sharp with Ndiaye should be ok as options 1,2 and 3, Ndiaye can also do the AM/No.10 bit if required, just won't be as good as MGW at it. McBurnie wants binning or giving away to an unsuspecting football club.

The youngsters who have had to play this season all need loaning out for experience, none of them look good enough to challenge our first teamers and a season in grown up football will do them all good.

I reckon we NEED to sign: Backup GK, Backup LCB, CB and RCB, Backup midfielders in all 3 positions and/or replacement for Berge. Replacement for MGW and another striker who can push Sharp/Brewster/Ndiaye to perform.

 

[Wards]

Hecky said he needs 6 or 7. Be interesting to know what positions they're likely to be for.

My guess

GK (backup)
Left & right centre backs
CM x3 (including a no'10'.
Striker

 

[GuangzhouBlade]

Norwood is a 50/50 player. Sometimes he's the best player, the next match he's invisible and consistently poor at tracking back. His free kicks and corners are woeful and he contributes little over the season in goals and assists. He's too inconsistent and we need someone who can put in the same performance every week.

Fleck is a washed up has been who puts in one good performance every ten games, same with Stevens. Neither have consistently performed or contributed for over two seasons now. We can't keep relying in unreliable players. Sentiment has no place in football.

Burke and McBurnie are absolute jokes as far as strikers are concerned. They offer nothing and are taking up spaces in the squad and wages.

That leaves Berge and Egan. Berge will go as someone will buy him in the summer. That's inevitable. We're unlikely to get big fees or any for the others mentioned, so that leaves Egan as the only other sellable asset, and I would sell in order to get us more money to spend to replace players and strengthen the team.

Even with these gone we'd have a potential starting eleven of;

GK - Foderingham
DL - RND
DC - Robinson
DC - Lopate or ???
DC - Basham
DR - Bogle
CM - ????
CM - ????
AM - Ndiaye
ST - Sharp
ST - Brewster

I fundamentally disagree on Norwood, by pretty much every metric he has been our best midfielder this season (I'm counting MGW as a forward) most tackles, most chances created etc. He has never been a goalscorer, we have tried so many times to play without him in midfield and we are just worse. Wilder, Slav and Hecky have all tried midfield combinations without him and everytime they revert straight back to playing him. If we are continuing with a variation of 3/5 at the back Norwood has to be at the core of it.

I mentioned above that Egan has Premier League admirers so its not beyond the realms of possibility that he would leave but if he does go you can't be serious about Lopata being is ideal replacement. I hope I'm wrong and he goes on to do brilliantly but the fact that Gordon, Seriki, Goode, Uremovic as well as Davies and Osborn playing on the "wrong" side have all started ahead of him this season doesn't fill me with confidence. Maybe Rootshallbloke can offer some insight?

Fleck and Stevens are more than capable at this level still and whilst I agree are no longer at their peak they still have something to offer at Championship level. I can't think that we will be able to offload Fleck, Stevens McBurnie etc without paying off big contracts which seems ridiculous when they could still have an impact. We tried to reinvent the wheel with Slav I'm more for letting Hecky have one last crack with these players in that system.

I'm excited at the thought of a full season with Bogle and Baldock pushing each other all the way and Brewster back in contention to take some pressure off Sharp. Got to try and find MGW and Berge replacements first and foremost.

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

I fundamentally disagree on Norwood, by pretty much every metric he has been our best midfielder this season (I'm counting MGW as a forward) most tackles, most chances created etc. He has never been a goalscorer, we have tried so many times to play without him in midfield and we are just worse. Wilder, Slav and Hecky have all tried midfield combinations without him and everytime they revert straight back to playing him. If we are continuing with a variation of 3/5 at the back Norwood has to be at the core of it.

I mentioned above that Egan has Premier League admirers so its not beyond the realms of possibility that he would leave but if he does go you can't be serious about Lopata being is ideal replacement. I hope I'm wrong and he goes on to do brilliantly but the fact that Gordon, Seriki, Goode, Uremovic as well as Davies and Osborn playing on the "wrong" side have all started ahead of him this season doesn't fill me with confidence. Maybe Rootshallbloke can offer some insight?

Fleck and Stevens are more than capable at this level still and whilst I agree are no longer at their peak they still have something to offer at Championship level. I can't think that we will be able to offload Fleck, Stevens McBurnie etc without paying off big contracts which seems ridiculous when they could still have an impact. We tried to reinvent the wheel with Slav I'm more for letting Hecky have one last crack with these players in that system.

I'm excited at the thought of a full season with Bogle and Baldock pushing each other all the way and Brewster back in contention to take some pressure off Sharp. Got to try and find MGW and Berge replacements first and foremost.

We've all got our own theories and opinions or the world would be a boring place. I did say with a good preseason behind him Lopate could replace Egan, not will, it's hypothetical. He certainly looked solid in the cup games.

 

[nicksufc]

There's not going to be a massive overhaul next season. We only have a couple of players out of contract, and the only one I can see other clubs coming in for is Berge. Nobody is going to come in and happily take 30k p/w Stevens or McBurnie off our hands. It's just not going to happen.

 

[S64 Blade]

Hecky said he needs 6 or 7. Be interesting to know what positions they're likely to be for.

My guess

GK (backup)
Left & right centre backs
CM x3 (including a no'10'.
Striker

I’d go with this.

Hopefully we can also get rid of Burke and one of the left backs (Lowe or Enda).

Just seen that QPR are in for Helik at Barnsley. Would be someone we should consider.

 

[Wards]

I fundamentally disagree on Norwood, by pretty much every metric he has been our best midfielder this season (I'm counting MGW as a forward) most tackles, most chances created etc. He has never been a goalscorer, we have tried so many times to play without him in midfield and we are just worse. Wilder, Slav and Hecky have all tried midfield combinations without him and everytime they revert straight back to playing him. If we are continuing with a variation of 3/5 at the back Norwood has to be at the core of it.

Needs to stay and needs to have a destructive, athletic/mobile shithouse sat next to him.

 

[Booker4]

Great OP, there's some detail in there! Is there anyone else out of contract that hasn't been mentioned yet? I think the club did well extending the contracts of Robbo and Osborn, Basham and Sharp. I think next season the defence will be what it is now but we need a RCB and LCB competition, possibly a centre back also although no doubt one of the RCB or LCB signings can cover the middle also. RND will probably play LWB next season and he'll no doubt continue to improve, Enda a capable deputy and he may still well retain the shirt if playing well too. Lowe I think will not want to return even if Forest don't sign him, if Forest go up they may well look elsewhere or if Lowe is not fit at the start of the season he may have to stay, which could be awkward for Lowe. If Lowe does come back though I would say he could well be our first choice LWB if fit.

Into midfield and we could well need three new signings here. Competition for all of the three spots currently occupied by Berge, Fleck and Norwood, Berge could be sold sadly but hopefully if so it'll only be for a decent fee, I can't see us getting more than £12m though and United may have to accept that if Berge pushes for a move and we need the money, maybe we'll stick to our guns of more; even if he may not attract £20m plus he's worth keeping because he's become a huge player for us. His agent will no doubt want him to move upwards - understandably - as probably will Berge and no one can blame him for that.

As for Fleck and Norwood, both are slow and we desperately need competition for them. Both are still good players, for me Fleck has had a reasonable season, Norwood a good season but we need more competition for both, hopefully younger legs players who want to come to United and make a name for themselves. I don't think we'll be short of players who want to come, whether that be loans or permanent.

So that leaves up top. We've got Billy Sharp! He'll play a big part as ever, and then there's Ndiaye who I think we'll manage to keep, who, of course, may well drop into the role MGW had as a second striker or he could play in the role Berge currently has if he leaves. The huge plus is that Brewster will be back, hopefully fit and ready to start the season. Take note that Steve Cooper is a huge fan and may well come in for Brewster if Forest go up, that wouldn't surprise me. But assuming he stays then there's some real quality coming back there. McBurnie I actually think he could play a big part next season. He's not going to be fit for the start of the season by all accounts so he's likely to stay here. If fit, he could be a huge player for us, and if he stays then I'd let Jebbo and Osula go out on loan. So you've got Billy, McBurnie, Brewster and Ndiaye, which may leave one other spot available, maybe another Billy Sharp type; don't ask me who and maybe a loan from the Prem.

Conclusion: Midfield the key, needs much more movement/intensity and bite, we've not had a ball winner for ages in midfield, Lundstram did it at times, so does Fleck and Norwood at times, but we could really do with someone fearless in there, a Sam Morsy type - not him though now!

There's reason for optimism, even after last night. We all knew going up meant we'd likely have a tough and unsuccessful relegation season but the flip side was an opportunity to sign some quality players for when we inevitably come down and sort the training ground out once and for all. But staying down has it's positives in that the younger pro's such as Ndiaye, Brewster and RND have a year to develop which they need, I'm not sure any of them would have been ready just yet for the PL, certainly not RND, Brewster and Ndiaye maybe but they'll likely all be first choice next season in the Championship. With Hecky at the helm and working with the recruitment team as is apparently the case hopefully we'll unearth some gems and we could still be set for an exciting season, unlike in some ways if we'd gone up with a team that would need wholesale changes, and that rarely works, even if the benefits are there for all to see in terms of increased revenue. In some ways I wanted us to go up and have the money from going up but take our place in the Championship again if you get my drift!

 

[ReeceofBDTBL]

Wes
Bash. Egan. JLT
Bogle. Norwood. Fleck. RND
New (crucial) signing
Sharp N’Diaye

Subs: Davies, Baldock, Osborn, (cm1), Brewster, McB, Jebbison

Can’t lie, don’t half wish we’d have a go at keeping Berge until January.

Definitely need to invest in some long term replacements for Bash, Egan, Norwood and Fleck

 

[Houston_Blade]

I fundamentally disagree on Norwood, by pretty much every metric he has been our best midfielder this season (I'm counting MGW as a forward) most tackles, most chances created etc. He has never been a goalscorer, we have tried so many times to play without him in midfield and we are just worse. Wilder, Slav and Hecky have all tried midfield combinations without him and everytime they revert straight back to playing him. If we are continuing with a variation of 3/5 at the back Norwood has to be at the core of it.

I agree with you here. He makes us tick.

What we do need is someone younger who can do the same job to replace Norwood as he gets towards the end of his contract.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

I fundamentally disagree on Norwood, by pretty much every metric he has been our best midfielder this season (I'm counting MGW as a forward) most tackles, most chances created etc. He has never been a goalscorer, we have tried so many times to play without him in midfield and we are just worse. Wilder, Slav and Hecky have all tried midfield combinations without him and everytime they revert straight back to playing him. If we are continuing with a variation of 3/5 at the back Norwood has to be at the core of it.

I mentioned above that Egan has Premier League admirers so its not beyond the realms of possibility that he would leave but if he does go you can't be serious about Lopata being is ideal replacement. I hope I'm wrong and he goes on to do brilliantly but the fact that Gordon, Seriki, Goode, Uremovic as well as Davies and Osborn playing on the "wrong" side have all started ahead of him this season doesn't fill me with confidence. Maybe Rootshallbloke can offer some insight?

Fleck and Stevens are more than capable at this level still and whilst I agree are no longer at their peak they still have something to offer at Championship level. I can't think that we will be able to offload Fleck, Stevens McBurnie etc without paying off big contracts which seems ridiculous when they could still have an impact. We tried to reinvent the wheel with Slav I'm more for letting Hecky have one last crack with these players in that system.

I'm excited at the thought of a full season with Bogle and Baldock pushing each other all the way and Brewster back in contention to take some pressure off Sharp. Got to try and find MGW and Berge replacements first and foremost.

I've watched Lopata in National League action home and away and there is no doubt he is up to, and for, playing alongside older more experienced defenders and not looking out of place at all. In fact he was bossing our back line as if he had been doing it his whole professional career and the older players were comfortable with him doing so. That said, he was doing it in the National League which is a whole world away from the Championship. Maybe it's best if you look at your coaching team for a steer. Kacper was recalled when you had CB injuries, but apart from a few bench appearances he didn't get a sniff which maybe suggests not just yet? He's certainly one for the future and wherever he ends up he will be a very good defender , but with the right nurturing and in a way that doesn't make him try too hard to prove himself.

 

[Jon.lad]

It makes such a big difference having a good keeper that everyone has confidence in. Thank God for Wes.

 

[Balham]

I've watched Lopata in National League action home and away and there is no doubt he is up to, and for, playing alongside older more experienced defenders and not looking out of place at all. In fact he was bossing our back line as if he had been doing it his whole professional career and the older players were comfortable with him doing so. That said, he was doing it in the National League which is a whole world away from the Championship. Maybe it's best if you look at your coaching team for a steer. Kacper was recalled when you had CB injuries, but apart from a few bench appearances he didn't get a sniff which maybe suggests not just yet? He's certainly one for the future and wherever he ends up he will be a very good defender , but with the right nurturing and in a way that doesn't make him try too hard to prove himself.

The main reason Lopata didn't get any gametime is, I think, because he's been earmarked for the central position and that's the one place we didn't struggle this season with Egan playing every minute of every game. It appears that the coaches don't think he's either quick enough or technical enough to play on the right, hence Ky Gordon coming in ahead of him.

Depending on the financial situation we may need him next season and a stint in the National League up against some physical forwards can only have done him good.

 

[S64 Blade]

Maybe Lopata could go out to Donny? Another step up in leagues for him.

 

[Aganarama]

At what point do we need to bring Coulibaly back to make sure he gets a work permit - think we have to be quick don't we? Could be a useful body to have around and to develop.

 

[Snowflake]

What on earth have I just read? Decimate the core of a squad that will be top 6 or better next season?

All players have their price but why on earth would we actively try to sell players under contract who are more than capable in this division and arguably the league above. I would be planning to lose Berge for sure so midfield has to be the focus. What you are advocating here though is keeping hold of 13 players, we aren't going to sign ten players in the summer and nor should we. Replacing MGW and Berge will be hard but don't make it harder by getting rid of Norwood and Fleck.

Lopata was unable to force his way into the defence this season even when it was decimated with injuries. Why is he now all of a sudden the replacement for a full International who has premier league admirers. Have you seen much of him play?

I fully agree.
Hecky made reference to 6 incoming, so with one or two youngsters, the squad will need all that are under contract.
If we get a really good offer for Berge then fine, we can take on two or three new midfielders.
Maybe we pocket some cash from DCL being transferred also.

 

[Booker4]

Wes
Bash. Egan. JLT
Bogle. Norwood. Fleck. RND
New (crucial) signing
Sharp N’Diaye

Subs: Davies, Baldock, Osborn, (cm1), Brewster, McB, Jebbison

Can’t lie, don’t half wish we’d have a go at keeping Berge until January.

Definitely need to invest in some long term replacements for Bash, Egan, Norwood and Fleck

I love Sharpy and Ndiaye but I'd like to see some height up top, preferably with pace and power, an example Lucas Joao from Reading, not that we'll get him but someone similar. Keinan Davis another - again we'll not get him either but someone more than just a lump but also still a presence up there so that when teams sit deep we can find that guy who bosses the opposition defence. So ideally I'm not thinking of an Andy Carroll type or Gary Madine, but more mobile/skilful although I wouldn't mind that type off the bench for the last twenty minutes like what Wayne Allison did so well.

McBurnie may well prove to be the man we want for the role I'm referring to, he's had a couple of bad years for various reasons but at times this season he's played well and caused problems for the opposition but we need him to be fit and stronger than he's been.

 

[robbiez666]

Retain:
GK - Foderingham, Davies
DEF - Lowe, RND, Bogle, Baldock, Basham, Robinson
MID - Ndiaye, Osborn
STR - Sharp, Brewster

Release/Sell:
Egan, Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Berge, Burke, McBurnie

Some of the players in my released list are there to raise funds for transfers, others because they've had their day and they look shadows of their former selves.

I've left out the youngsters for now as I was more concerned with the main senior squad of regulars. With a good preseason behind him Lopata could be the replacement for Egan.

One of the most bizarrely unrealistic takes I've seen. Who is buying them and matching their wages? if they do go we're not getting money for 30+ players in the last year of their contract. Who are we replacing them with? We'd be relegated.

 

[robbiez666]

Once we get over the disappointment of the play off defeat we need to turn our attentions to next season. We have a clear plan with Heckingbottom's 5-2-3 / 3-4-3 variant of Wilderball. There are some big issues we need to address in the squad:

Goalkeepers
First choice: Wes Foderingham. Spent his first season at United as Aaron Ramsdale's backup and the first part of his second season here no doubt getting increasing pissed off at Robin Olsen's lackadaisical attitude and frequent mistakes. Took his chance when Olsen picked up a knock and hasn't looked back. Surprised, I think, pretty much everyone with how good he's been.
Others: Jake Eastwood and Adam Davies are out of contract; Jordan Amissah and Marcus Dewhurst are reaching career crossroads and we have Callum Hiddlestone in the U18s to push the two younger lads. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Davies stay for another year as backup but it will be thank you and goodbye to Eastwood, who at 25 really needs to get a permanent role somewhere. Amissah and Dewhurst should be targeting loan spells as first choice keepers at National League or League 2 level.

Defenders
First choice: Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson. Basham signed a new two year deal earlier this month and looks set to push towards 400 United appearances. He's suffered with injuries for the first time in his United career and may need more careful management next season but the right sided centre half spot is his to lose. Egan has been a stalwart, playing every minute of every league game this season and taking the armband whenever Sharp was out but if push comes to shove he's one of our most saleable assets (under contract to 2024 and one of our highest earners) and if funds need to be raised he may be sold. Robinson started this season in dreadful from with a number of errors leading to goals (Preston, Peterborough, West Brom amongst others) but to his credit he knuckled down and turned it around and he is now first choice left centre back. United triggered an option to tie Robinson down to the end of next season.
Others: Felip Uremovic, Ben Davies and Charlie Goode are on loan and will return to their parent clubs. Ky Gordon made a number of first team appearances when Basham was out and while he didn't set the world on first he also didn't look drastically out of his depth: a League One loan beckons. Kacper Lopata had a hugely successful loan spell at Southend and may stay around to push Egan in particular. Nickseon Gomis and Miguel Freckleton in the U23s will be targeting loan spells with the former needing to push on if he is to make it at the Lane. Jack O'Connell remains under contract but time is surely running out for him, sad as that is.

Wing backs
First choice: Jayden Bogle, George Baldock, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Enda Stevens. Horses for courses on the right with the attacking threat of Bogle and the more aggressive defending of Baldock battling it out. Baldock had one of his best ever games in a Blades shirt at the City Ground but, as with Egan, he may be quietly available to generate funds given just how good Bogle was at the turn of the year. On the left Stevens has declined drastically over the last couple of seasons and may be moved on, if only to save on the wages, with Norrington-Davies needing to work on his attacking output but solid defensively.
Others: Femi Seriki came in for the Forest regular season home game and looked well out of his depth after a torrid loan spell at Beerschot. In his defence, he had the one-footed Ben Davies playing at RCB but he has since dropped down to Boston in the National League North to get some gametime and, by all accounts, he's tearing it up there. However, with the two senior pros in front of him he should be looking at a L1/L2 loan next season. Joe Starbuck joined from Grimsby and has made the first team bench; he should be looking for a National League/League 2 laon. Max Lowe has spent the year on loan at Forest and will probably join them permanently with the price dependent on their game at Wembley. Ben Osborn has filled in at right and left wingback this season and is here next season having had his contract extended but he is in danger of becoming a jack of all trades and master of none.

Midfielders
First choice: Oli Norwood, John Fleck, Sander Berge. One of the first things Heckingbottom and particularly Stuart McCall did after taking over was move Berge 20 yards further up the pitch. He has been revelatory in the insight right position but he's a full international who joined us as a highly rated prospect when we were in the Premier League. He doesn't seem the type to do a Ramsdale and force a move away but you can be sure that his representatives will be fully briefed to secure him a move back to the top flight either in England or one of the other big leagues. Whether that happens or not will depend on United's asking price which will remain around the £25m mark. Norwood had a mixed season; he remains our fulcrum but he was successfully targeted by a number of sides' pressing and that hampered our play. He's here next season with his contract running to June 2023 and it's hard to see him not being first choice. Fleck had a mixed season together with the frightening collapse at Reading in November suggesting that his better days may be behind him. Another one with a contract to the end of next season he'll start alongside Norwood in midfield next season.
Others: Conor Hourihane came in on loan and didn't do enough in my view to earn a permanent deal, I'd not be at all surprised if he ended up reuniting with Dean Smith at Norwich next season. Ben Osborn: see above. Sydie Peck is gaining good reviews in the U18s and U23s but at 17 years old he's definitely one for the future, same as 18 year old Oliver Arblaster who we will look to send on loan next season. Harrison Neal and Zak Brunt spent time away from United at National League level and will want spells in League 1 or League 2 next season.
Released: Luke Freeman. Great when a big fish in a little pond, he's now just big. Went to Forest last season and barely played, went to Millwall for the second half of this season but picked up a season-ending injury after one substitute appearance. He'll be little more than a footnote in the review of this decade.

Forwards
First choice: Billy Sharp, Rhian Brewster, Iliman Ndiaye. Both Sharp and Brewster missed the end of the season through injury but with Sharp's contract being extended to the end of 2023 it's clear that he wants to push us on to promotion again. We have to manage his workload better though with him turning 37 during the 22/23 season. Brewster turned a corner as 2021 moved to 2022, scoring a couple of goals and clearly regaining his belief; he'll want to come back stronger from a bad hamstring injury. Ndiaye was a breakthrough talent this season, scoring 5 league goals and while he's clearly still learning he has the ability to fill Gibbs-White's role as attacking talisman next season.
Others: Oli McBurnie ended up a figure of ridicule after one of the worst seasons for any United player: no league goals, debilitating illness, frequent injuries. It's up to him where he goes from here; either he knuckles down and rebuilds his United career next season (his last under contract) or he will be loaned out as it's unlikely anyone will give us a fee for him. Oli Burke was a ridiculous signing and is clearly surplus to requirements. Daniel Jebbison was a victim of our injury crisis, recalled from Burton where he had started scoring regularly to sit on our bench he looked unsure of himself and his role. Still has the potential but is in danger of falling behind Will Osula in the pecking order. One or both may head back out on loan next season.
Released: David McGoldrick was given a hero's send off and has everyone's best wishes for the future. Morgan Gibbs-White came in on loan and left one of us; he'll be pushing for England recognition by this time next year if he manages his time right. Lys Mousset had it all - pace, ability, finishing - except the application and desire. Will probably be signed by a struggling Spanish top flight team in desperation and play fewer than 10 games for them.

What do we need?
First and foremost for me we need a new midfielder or two. Norwood and Fleck are coming towards the end of their careers, harsh though that may be, and both are relatively diminutive in stature. We need to find a sizeable #6, someone who can relieve the ballwinning pressure on Norwood and also provide support to let Norwood dictate games again. Next up would be a replacement for Berge and/or Egan if they leave which may be difficult; we also need cover at left sided centre half. We still have most of Chris Wilder's striker stockpile so we should be OK for forwards. Backup keeper will be Davies if he accepts terms and finally despite his idiotic red card I can see us investigating Charlie Goode's availability

Keep as their value to us is greater than their market value: Foderingham, Basham, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Bogle, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn, Sharp, Brewster, Ndiaye
Sell to raise funds, if that's what we need: Egan, Berge, Baldock
Make available: Stevens, McBurnie
Actively look to move on: Burke (free if necessary), Lowe
Loan out: Dewhurst, Amissah, Seriki, Starbuck, Arblaster, Brunt, Neal, one of Osula or Jebbison

What is Boyes' natural position? Seems to have been doing well in Non-league football.

 

[Balham]

What is Boyes' natural position? Seems to have been doing well in Non-league football.

Left wing-back I think. I needed to refer to Ball_Sup's roster not the Soccerbase squad list

There's George Broadbent (CM) too who spent time at Rochdale this season, Antwoine Hackford who missed time with injury and Will Lankshear who, despite being 17, is scoring at a prolific rate in the U18s and U23s (both CFs).

 

[Rootshallbloke]

We've just released 16 squad players of all ages and sizes and experience. In the spirit of joint SUFC co-operation I'm sure we could offer you all or some of these to help rebuild your squad, your stadium, your toilets, or anything else you have in mind, the list is endless. With inflation and interest rates going through the roof this would be a BOGOF in spades and all we ask in return are two young children called Neal and Lopata. No need to thank me, only too happy to help.

 

[Agreasychipbutty]

For me top 2 priorities is a replacement for stevens and a tough holding midfielder. Stevens has been way off it for a couple seasons imo (I don't think he's looked good since JOC was injured), he doesn't offer any of his tricks or inteligence going forward and is poor defensively, I thought the first leg was the worst he's played in a while, I like RND but he needs time to develop getting forwards. Norwoods form has gone way up and he seems much tougher now going in for challenges but he still needs cover when pressed.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

Well I just hope we have our transfer 'targets' primed and aren't going to trot out the 'we didn't know which division we'd be in' .....

Fire up the Fax machine Hecky.

 

[Berlin Blade]

Good post, just outlining who we have for each position. I was going to do something similar myself and maybe throw some suggestions in. We'll need to trim the wage bill probably and we will no doubt use a few of the youth players to supplement the squad a little. We need a player for each position and ideally a player pushing them in that role. Not a 'backup' but someone that could come in like for like.

Wes/Davies/Hiddlestone

Baldock/Bogle
Basham/Gordon
Egan/Lopata
Robinson/NEW SIGNING
RND/Osborn

NEW SIGNING/Norwood
NEW SIGNING/Fleck

Ndiaye/NEW SIGNING
Brewster/Mcburnie
Sharp/NEW SIGNING

So:

LCB - I would probably either look to bring in Jake Clarke-Salter on a free transfer or Ben Davies (when is his contract up at Liverpool?) They only paid a relatively small fee for him so maybe they'll be happy to just get him off the books and give him us on a free. I can't see him demanding huge wages, nobody in the prem will be in for him so we will probably be his favoured option. Alternatively, Enda Stevens has had experience playing LCB under Wilder and did well. Assuming nobody will be in for him and he has another year left, if he's gonna be sticking around we may aswell make use of him and have him covering that role as well as LWB if those two get injured.

CM (norwood role) - I've been wanting us to go in for Cam Brannagan for years and years. I think his time is done at Oxford now. He's a passing midfielder, came through at Liverpool and went to Oxford to become one of the best league one central midfielders. Good pedigree, good atitude, good age (about 25) so he's not a kid but still has 5 years of his 20s left.

CM (Fleck role) - I'd love to see us go for Tommy Doyle from City on loan. He's been at Cardiff this season. Box to box, tenacious all action midfielder who's recieved rave reviews and chipped in a lot for a shite Cardiff side. Captained City u23s too. I think he's exactly what we need. They have said that they're wanting to loan him out to another club 'but at the top end of the championship' so that could be a bit of us. He's only 20.

I think if we could manage to get Domingus Quina that would be a great coup. He was on loan at Barnsley last (this?) season and was head and shoulders above for them when we played them. Great at carrying the ball through the lines and getting the ball moving. I'm not sure his contractual situation or if Watford are wanting to keep hold of him now they're in the Championship but would love those three. That would really inject a bit of life into the middle of the pitch.

Also worth noting that Tom Barkhuizen becomes a free agent from Preston this summer. He's alright and quite versatile, 28 so he's not past it. Wouldnt be completely opposed to it but also it's not massively inspiring is it. Maybe my prejudice as his name is a bit annoying and Preston aren't exactly a fashionable club.

CAM - Hard to find players for this role that would come to us with our budget. I'd go for Scott Twine from MKDons. He's 22 and a good link between midfield and attack. Most importantly he gets on the ball and he makes things happen in quite a similar way that MGW does for us. I'm not putting him in the same ballpark as MGW because he's fucking phenomenal, but the way that everything MGW does was with purpose and intent to make something happen, Twine has a bit of this too. He also chips in and scores and assists his fair share too. I think he would be a really good signing.

I would also really like us to go for Tahith Chong on loan. I saw a bit of him for Man Utd u23s a couple of years ago and he stood out for me then (probably bias because his hair is striking) and I assumed he was a 'youtube player' until he tore us a new one at the Lane on the opening day. I thought he was everything we needed that we didnt have. Him and Twine in behind Ndiaye would be lively, creative, quick, exciting.


Those are just off the top of my head. That would give us a squad of:

Wes/Davies/Hiddlestone

Baldock/Bogle
Basham/Gordon
Egan/Lopata
Robinson/Clarke-Salter
RND/Osborn

Brannagan/Norwood
Doyle/Quina/Fleck

Ndiaye/Twine
Chong/Mcburnie
Sharp/Brewster

Hecky said he wants 6. Losing Berge and MGW is basically ripping 90% of our creativity out of the side. We need to replace them.

If we allow pretty much everyone else in the squad either out on loan if we can't get a fee for them, we can recoup probably just about enough money to still make these signings.

Anyone else have any decent and realistic targets we can get that would genuinely excite them rather than just feeling like they could 'do a job'?

 

[ReeceofBDTBL]

I’m not resigned to losing Berge just yet. But several signings need to be made to make up for the chasm that will be left by the loss of MGW