Sheffield United are back in the Premier League following a two-year absence. Having finished rock bottom of the top-flight table in 2020-21, the Blades will be determined to make amends this time around.
• Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
• Stadium: Bramall Lane
• Last Season: 2nd (Championship)
Sheff Utd enjoyed two seasons in the Premier League between 2019-20 and 2020-21, securing a shock ninth-place finish before suffering relegation.
Can Paul Heckingbottom’s side make a successful return to top-flight football?
What Happened Last Season?
Sheffield United finished as runners-up in the Championship last season – 10 points behind champions Burnley and 11 points clear of third-placed Luton Town to clinch the second automatic promotion spot.
The Blades won 28 of their 46 league outings last term, recording seven draws and 11 losses along the way.
They also scored 73 goals while conceding 39, giving them the third-best defensive record and the second-best defensive record.
Not only did Sheff Utd win five of their final six matches last season, but they also won 10 of their last 14.
Accordingly, Heckingbottom will be hoping that his players can pick up where they left off in 2022-23.
Key Players
Sheffield United will have to make do without Iliman Ndiaye from now on, as the 22-year-old forward bagged 15 goals and 12 assists last season before agreeing a deal with French side Marseille.
Thankfully for the Blades, Oliver McBurnie also scored 15 goals last term.
Sander Berge will be looking to make his mark on the Premier League after going down with Sheff Utd in 2020-21.
The Norwegian midfielder has now played more than 100 games for the club, establishing himself as a key player.
The Blades have been busy in the transfer market this summer, signing Benie Traore from Hacken, Anis Slimane from Brondby and Yasser Larouci from Troyes. Time will tell whether the new arrivals can make the desired impact.
What Can Sheffield United Achieve in 2023-24?
Just like the other newly-promoted teams, Sheffield United’s main aim is to remain in the Premier League beyond 2023-24.
However, that is easier said than done, as the Blades won’t find it easy to readapt to the demands of the top flight.
Heckingbottom will also be eager to find a replacement for Ndiaye, who notched 27 goal involvements last term.
McBurnie will be expected to step up following Ndiaye’s departure, but he can’t be expected to stave off relegation all by himself.
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