Chris Wilder has defended his summer signings insisting ‘these are good players’ after the club’s recruitment has come under the spotlight. The Blades find themselves bottom of the league with just one win and a squad hit by injury and selection problems. Aaron Ramsdale has come under criticism from a section of the fan base, not all of it warranted or fair, and Rhian Brewster has not featured much from a starting position. Ethan Ampadu has been inconsistent in his performances, while Max Lowe was excellent on his debut at Burnley in the EFL Cup but has struggled in the league. However, Jayden Bogle and Oliver Burke have really impressed, while in the league win over Newcastle last week Ampadu was man of the match and Brewster looked lively from the bench.
Chris Wilder said “You construct a squad in what you have got to invest in at the time and to make you better, Our options were different to other clubs and these were the best options for us at the time. There was a younger feel to it, which I am sure you can understand why. We believe we brought some good players in, but it’s difficult for the young players, of course, when the team is not playing well. I envisaged Rhian coming on to the pitch and easing him in to the team at the right time when the team is playing well, instead of just chucking him in, which we have had to do at times. I thought we saw that against Newcastle, especially second half, when the team was playing well. He made a positive contribution and he’s a good player, as we feel all the young players that we have brought in are. If you look at the average age they are young and will be the core of the team for a long time. I am sure we have made the right investment for the long term.”
