Chris Wilder thought one Sheffield United player in particular was “outstanding” against York City

Sheffield United started their pre-season with a win over York City, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory. Tyrese Sinclair gave the hosts an early lead in the first ten minutes, but goals from Ryan One and Will Osula turned the game in United’s favour.

Playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation for the first time, the set-up looked to benefit wide players Andre Brooks and Benie Traore, who both put in outstanding first-half performances. In the second half, Will Osula led the game and eventually reaped the rewards with a spectacular goal, Chris Wilder described Osula’s performance as outstanding after the match.

Louie Marsh (L) congratulates Ryan One (R) after scoring the equalizer for Sheffield United against York City at the LNER Community Stadium in the Blades’ first pre-season friendly.

Speaking about his team’s first outing in pre-season, Wilder told SUTV: “It was a bit stop-start, as it usually is the first time they go out there and run. I had two 45 minutes. We had 14 or 15 players involved who are from the academy. Things to work on, a form we just introduced. To cope with this form will take time. We want to be flexible with our shape. We want to be able to play four at the back.

“I’m looking for everybody to go through it, I’m looking for everybody to be at their best and run around what they did. I understand that we will make mistakes with the ball that we did. I understand we will miss some opportunities, which we did. Attitude, good. Physically, I came through it unscathed. Mentally it was great. And get a win in front of our supporters.

“No disrespect, they don’t go all the way to Stocksbridge and win 9-0. You don’t go somewhere to earn five or six. We wanted it to be competitive and we got that look and it’s a decent start for us.”

The Blades got off to the worst possible start when Anel Ahmedhodzic crossed the ball on the halfway line before being dispossessed, which saw Tyrese Sinclair delicately slot the ball past Adam Davies ten minutes from time. But Sheffield United soon recovered and in the second half stamped their authority on the match.

Will Osula scores a stunning solo goal to send the Blades to victory against York City in their first pre-season friendly.

Wilder on the performance: “Disappointed with their goal, it was a mistake (from Ahmedhodzic), we understand it could happen in pre-season. And then (York) sit and make it very difficult for us in a low jam and excited to get back into the game, great finish by Ryan.

“The second half, when we changed the team, I thought Will Osula was outstanding on the left and he could have even had a hat-trick, but it’s a great finish from him. Rhian had a good chance and the keeper made an incredible save.

“I want to win. I want our fans to see that fighting attitude from us and the willingness to go and play well, of course, to compete physically, of course, but to go and win a game of football. some good signs as well. There’s still a lot to work on, but it’s still pretty early in the pre-season.”

SALFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Jamie Shackleton of Leeds United in action during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Salford City and Leeds United at Peninsula Stadium on August 29, 2023 in Salford, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

The game at the LNER Community Stadium gave Sheffield United fans the chance to see Jamie Shackleton for the first time and they certainly did not come away from the game disappointed. The midfielder stood out in midfield in the second half as he covered a lot of ground and showed his progressive capabilities.

Asked about Shackleton’s debut, Wilder said: “100 per cent, he’s a good player. He played at a decent club for a while. He wanted to make the move and will be a great asset for us.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t have Gus on the pitch, it’s disappointing we didn’t have Sam on the pitch, but they’ll be working on Monday. We have a closed door friendly on Wednesday. We have a really good friendly against Chesterfield on Saturday so hopefully those two will be involved and hopefully a few more will be involved in terms of (incoming) players.

“Jamie was really good. First impressions are very important for the supporters and most importantly for the confidence of the players and he will be delighted with his efforts today.”

Wilder mentioned that the Blades will be involved in a behind-closed-doors game against Bradford City on Wednesday, where the plan is to play four half-hour matches. After that, they make the short trip to Chesterfield next Saturday for a 2pm kick-off.

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Ipswich Town’s Kieffer Moore shoots under pressure from Middlesbrough’s Matthew Clarke during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough at Portman Road on April 13, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Mike McGrath has reported that Sheffield United have won the race to sign Kieffer Moore, who looked set to join Hull City for their pre-season tour. However, personal reasons appear to be the cause of the last-minute U-turn for the Welsh international.

McGrath also revealed that Leeds United are interested in signing Jayden Bogle from the Blades. Wilder have already lost a right-back this summer after George Baldock opted to leave the club at the end of his contract. Losing another right back in the same window would be a terrible situation considering they are already struggling to rebuild the squad as it is.

In other news, the Blades have not pulled out of the race for Peterborough United left-back Harrison Burrows despite recent speculation, according to The Star.