One and Osula get the Blades off to a positive start to pre-season

Sheffield United got their pre-season off to a winning start against York City thanks to goals from Ryan One and Will Osula after Tyrese Sinclair had put the home side ahead inside the first ten minutes.

Chris Wilder split Sheffield United into two teams, one for each half.

First half form and outstanding

First Half XI: Davies; Curtis, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Buyabu; Souza, Peck; Brooks, Marsh, Traore; One.

That shape appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 which seemed to suit United’s wide players – Andre Brooks and Benie Traore – who stood out in the first half. Traore was busy in and out of possession, on several occasions working hard to win the ball back. He was a threat down the left channel with his pace and showed some fancy footwork on several occasions.

On the opposite flank, Brooks provided the width and we saw instances where he danced around a couple of York players. He played a huge part in the opener with his teasing left-footed cross from the right which was initially met by Anel Ahmedhodzic before the keeper’s parry landed kindly for Ryan One to fire home from close range in the minute 27.

Second half form and outstanding

Second half XI: Grbic; Bogle, Sasnauskas, Trusty, Freckleton; Arblaster, Shackleton; Osula, Slimane, Hampson; Brewster.

Again, it appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 shape, but this team certainly looked much more fluid in terms of ball movement. Brewster sometimes dropped deep into the number ten position, which allowed the likes of Owen Hampson, Anis Slimane and Will Osula the ability to run in behind.

Jamie Shackleton had a bright debut and flew forward at every opportunity, using his excellent carrying qualities. He showed plenty of strength to hold off opponents when he received the ball with his back to goal and showed good composure to tie the game under pressure.

What was essentially a front four created bags of chances in the second half, most of them going to Will Osula. After dragging a left-footed shot horribly wide of the far post, Osula finally got his goal in the 77th minute after an excellent first touch from a long ball guided him into the area and from around 25 yards, the young Dane unleashed a curling effort. into the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Sheffield United Injuries and Unused Subs

Promising young goalkeeper Luke Fanon was named as a substitute at the LNER Community Stadium, all substitutions for the Blades were unused. Femi Seriki, Harry Boyes, Sai Sachdev and Billy Blacker were the outfield options.

United’s latest recruit Sam McCallum has missed out as he continues to get up to speed in pre-season. Gustavo Hamer has been ruled out with a minor calf complaint, according to Sheffield United’s official social media.