Post by deadbat on May 13, 2023 10:23:51 GMT
2022/23 SUFC SEASON REVIEW / SCHOOL REPORT
As I have traditionally done at the end of the last few seasons; it is that time again when I write a review of the campaign and also compile a school report for the different sections of the club. I will look at how they have fared and what are the prospects for next season for each respective department of the club.
If anyone wants a full copy in advance then DM me on twitter (Deadbat_DB) or on here send me your e mail address and I will gladly send over.
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I will begin with the review of the season and then tomorrow will be a breakdown of the club, board and manager/s. Over the next week, I will then add to this looking at players. each area of the squad beginning with goalkeeper etc. I will look at contract situations (may be wrong with some of these so again come in if I have got any wrong) and what might happen to each area of the team. I will also look at the academy – and list every player who has played for the club from u16’s right through to the senior team with some level of analysis.
This year I am doing the academy/development squad last as still waiting for the seasons to finish for the u21 and u18’s (finished last Friday).
It will be an 8 part review so will release one each day from today….
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Feel free to add comments/disagree/debate.....after each post I make.
I have graded the board, the manager, players and the fans; in a traditional school report style of A+ to F- (every player who started at least one game- think I may have graded a few others too).
I have had to grade players based on the games they did play so some players who played a lot more may still get a lower grade despite disproportionate number of games in comparison. I have also tried to discuss some of the U21/U18 players.
I have seen most games this season but there have been the odd ones I missed (Boro on holiday and Blackpool away– ashamedly at Hillsborough and possibly a few others where I had streaming issues!)
If I have missed anyone then please say. Feel free to weigh in with critique, opinions and even in some cases agreements!
*I wrote some of this a few weeks ago so elements might be a bit out of date/inaccurate and granted some player contracts/decisions on contracts might be made as I release this.
Season review
The previous season had been a tale of two halves with the disastrous spell under Slavisa Jokanovic then turned round completely by Paul Heckingbottom with the style and intensity hugely improved. United gradually moved up the league and eventually despite a bit of a late wobble, they finished strong and punched their place in the playoffs. A poor showing in the first leg to Forest seemed to have ended the campaign but a spirited effort at the City Ground saw United come so close to making it to Wembley eventually losing on penalties.
However, despite this heartbreak, the side had found its identity and Heckingbottom had more than steadied the ship. Some high-profile players departed with the popular David McGoldrick allowed to join Derby on a free whilst big money signings Burke and Mousset also moved on. Freeman and Verrips were more low-key departures but the former had also cost a lot of money with little output. Osula was to go out on loan joining McGoldrick at Derby and keepers Eastwood and Amissah would also go out loan later in the window.
In terms of incomers with rumours abounding of Abdullah potentially seeking new investment and funds being tight, it was not expected many would come through the door. We saw loan signings come in with Khadra, Clark, McAtee and Doyle from the Premier League. Ismaila Coulibaly was brought into the fold as a first team player. A surprise signing was Anel Ahmedhodzic who came in for a rumoured 4.5 million pounds – a player United had courted the previous season.
Of course, Morgan Gibbs White was not to return and eventually went for a whopping 35 million pounds to the playoff nemesis Forest but the fact Ndaiye and Berge remained meant they had to feel confident they could be in and around the top 6 again for this season. There was talk of the three teams coming down being strong of course but two had new managers and Dean Smith was not seen as the same type of coach as Daniel Farke. There were sides like West Brom and Middlesbrough fancies who had recruited well but the other playoff sides Huddersfield and Luton were not fancied to be as strong. It really did seem a wide-open division.
Pre-season saw issues over the kit mixed in with some poor showings at Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Mansfield where the side were conceding some shocking goals meant that once again (after barely playing in the pre-season a year ago) there was some doubts going into the campaign as the Blades began under the lights on a Friday night again – just as they had v Birmingham a season ago.
August
A poor performance in a poor game saw United somehow concede from their own corner at Watford and in the end did not deserve anything from the game at all. They bounced back a week later with a solid win against Millwall with Ndiaye and Berge putting them in control early and they saw the game out in comfort against a traditionally tricky opponent.
A cup defeat at West Brom with a much-changed team was not a major concern and then the Blades led twice at Middlesbrough but could not hold on in a 2-2 draw against former manager Wilder. There were pockets of good play mixed in with some sloppy defensive play but they got back on track with two home wins, firstly against Sunderland, helped by an early red card. Ahmedhodzic and Lowe scored their first goals for the club and they held on despite a spirited comeback from the Mackems. The following Saturday, the Blades put in their best performance of the season as they thumped the then league leaders Blackburn. Norwood’s brilliant free kick and then Ndiaye with a scruffy goal put them in control but the late solo goal from the Senegalese was simply sensational. His early season form was captivating the United fans and showing them, he could become something really special.
A 1-1 draw at Luton was fine with McBurnie finally registering after a long drought and Amissah making his debut after Foderingham was taken off ill near the end. Another hammering of a league pace setter, Reading, followed at the Lane. The impressive Ahmedhodzic scored again (twice) and with Ndiaye/McBurnie also registering, the month and start had on the whole been a good one. United were looking fluent attacking wise and were putting some of the so-called better sides away with ease.
September
A solid win at Hull with strikes from McBurnie and Berge was followed by a less than convincing display in South Wales but a late goal with virtually the last kick of the game from sub Khadra won it at the death.
Another away win, at Deepdale, with once again goals from Ndiaye and McBurnie, who were developing an excellent partnership, had United right near the top of the league and looking imperious.
However, with two home games to follow the three away wins, the unpredictable nature of the Championship was proved yet again as a physical Birmingham took a point at the Lane to keep United fans grounded.
October
A first home defeat of the season to an excellent QPR side was compounded by injuries sustained and the Blades squad was starting to be stretched. A patched up side lost at Stoke and then a ridiculous 3-3 draw at home to Blackpool where United had won the game easily but then somehow went behind before scoring late on – in a game they missed a penalty and featured 4 sending off (3 for Pool and 1 for United).
United’s stuttering recent form continued as they lost 1-0 at Coventry after controlling most of the game but rarely looking like scoring. Basham’s reckless tackle saw the Sky Blues get a smash and grab victory.
The frustration continued as United then went two behind at home to Norwich with Foderingham’s replacement, Davies, making a rick early on leading to the Blades trailing. The comeback with goals from Osborn and McBurnie was nearly wasted after Egan gave away a late penalty but Davies made up for his mistake with a crucial save. Remarkably, United still had time to win it but McBurnie missed a header at point blank range.
The final game of the month saw Carlos Corberan’s first game in charge of West Brom but an excellent team performance saw Ndiaye and McBurnie get United back on track.
November
Another trip on the road followed but United were really poor at Bristol City who dominated for long spells but a brave Ndiaye header saw the undeserved win that left former Owl Nigel Pearson extremely bitter in his post-match comments.
The following week the Blades absolutely destroyed runaway leaders Burnley at the Lane. Trailing 2-1 at the break after errors from Jack Robinson, United completely turned it around after half time and McBurnie, Robinson, Ahmedhodic and McBurnie again, all scored at the Kop end as the Blades exploited Burnley’s weaknesses in defending set plays.
This was a real marker seemingly to what United could produce but their inconsistency was shown as they then failed to turn up at all against local rivals Rotherham a few days later and the Millers nicked a rare win at the Lane. The final game before the break saw a scrappy game but a Baldock goal was enough to see United squeak past Cardiff on the road and go into the World Cup break in second place and in good spirits despite an ever-increasing injury list.
December
After four weeks off, the Blades returned to action and returning World Cup star Ndiaye given a lusty hand as he was announced prior to kick off. His assist and Sharp’s finish accounted for a struggling Huddersfield side.
Just before Christmas, the Blades went to another club at the wrong end of the table and they were able to see off Wigan with another goal from Sharp in a 2-1 win. Boxing Day brought a better performance as in form Coventry were dispatched with loanees McAtee, Clark and Doyle scoring. Egan’s red card took the shine off things but United still were able to go to Blackpool and win in the week – McAtee scoring a sensational individual goal in another 2-1 away victory.
January
The first game of the new year saw United not really turn up at Loftus Road but the returning Egan scored with almost the last kick of the game to get a point. This could prove crucial at the end of the season. United returned to London for the FA Cup and made changes but still won rather easily with Jebbison and Bogle scoring.
Stoke were put away with Bogle scoring a brace in an excellent individual display before a grittier and hard-fought victory followed the next week with Jebbison’s early goal enough to beat Hull City.
The 4th round of the cup saw a glamour tie with Wrexham with much of the focus on the Welsh sides’ Hollywood owners. The Blades led but then completely fell apart in the second half and needed another late Egan goal to salvage a replay. Jebbison’s red card was not helping with the Blades ability to rotate tired legs.
February
A poor game at the New York stadium saw United untroubled but not do enough the other way in a stalemate before Wrexham were beaten in a testy replay at the Lane but once again late goals were needed (Sharp and Berge) after Wrexham had levelled and then missed a penalty in a pulsating contest.
United had their first comfortable win for some time as a poor Swansea side were given a going over, in much the same way they were last season at the Lane.
The next spell featured United playing many of their rivals at the top and they could really make a big statement with Middlesbrough in town. Michael Carrick’s side had been in superb form and continued this roaring back from a goal down to win the game in an accomplished showing.
A trip to Millwall followed but again United did not really turn up and trailed early on. They got back in the game twice and looked the more likely but more naïve defending saw them somehow lose. A resilient showing at home to Watford saw the wobbling Blades back on track with an own goal sealing a narrow 1-0 win.
The 5th round of the cup was to follow and despite bringing in several fringe players, United were superb with an organisation, resilience and no little skill that saw them stay in the game with comfort before late sub deservedly won it with a wonder goal. However, any confidence gained from this game was not followed up in the league as the stuttering form continued as Blackburn outplayed them for the majority of the game and once again United lost to a rival at the top.
March
A mid-week trip to Reading with Boro breathing down their necks meant we would see what United were made of and a committed if not totally convincing performance saw them back to winning ways with Ndiaye’s goal from a McBurnie cross all that was needed.
However, the following weekend, a well organised and physical Luton side were able to stop United creating anything and nicked a winner, continuing their recent rise up the table and in doing so further fraying the nerves of a United team that seemed well set for promotion prior to the recent set of games. Now it was an altogether different feeling with Burnley well clear and a cluster of sides baying for United’s blood. Boro had been winning almost every week but dropped points at home to Stoke and United were able to make them pay with a comeback win at the Stadium of Light with loanees McAtee and Doyle’s goals rewarding Heckingbottom for bringing them back in.
The final game of the month saw the FA Cup quarter final and an enthralling contest saw United trail twice but fought back and then in a final twist, Doyle’s wonder strike in stoppage time sent the Blades to Wembley in front of a jubilant Bramall Lane.
April
The first game of the run in after the final international break saw a crucial win at Norwich with McAtee on the spot for the winner in a professional display. With Boro being shocked at Warnock’s Huddersfield, it seemed a pivotal swing and after Luton then only drew at Millwall, the Blades were able to see off bottom side Wigan thanks to Ndiaye’s goal. Burnley sealed promotion by winning at The Riverside but in doing so dealt another hammer blow to Middlesbrough’s hopes of going up.
It seemed United were now in a great position to finish 2nd but we had a swing the other day as Luton won and Boro drew against Blackpool and Bristol City respectively and Burnley got revenge for the hammering at the Lane, giving United their first loss in four after a nightmare moment for Wes Foderingham saw the United man sent off. The gap was back to 5 points with 6 to play for United and 5 for the chasers. However, the Blades thumped Cardiff 4-1 meaning they retained this gap despite wins for both Boro and Luton over this weekend.
The gap was maintained as the Blades saw off Bristol City in a narrow victory thanks to McAtee’s late goal and although Boro won, Luton only drew at lowly Reading. Luton then saw off Boro, ending their hopes of automatic and although they were now within 4 points, they only had 2 games left and the Blades knew just one win was required.
The Blades of course had a break from league play with their trip to Wembley and as expected they were well beaten by the juggernauts of Manchester City despite holding the Champions for nearly a whole half.
It was back to the league and the chance to seal promotion at home to West Brom and after another nervy first half, goals from Berge, superbly assisted from Ndiaye and then Ahmedhodzic saw jubilant scenes around a packed Bramall Lane. To go up with three games to spare showed what a fantastic job the team and manager had done.
Despite the celebrations, the Blades were able to make it four wins out of four when they dispatched a poor Preston side 4-1 at the Lane with Ndiaye again impressing but sub Jebbison showing an excellent cameo as goals from Ahmedhodzic (again), Fleck, Ndiaye and then McBurnie helped cap a memorable week.
May
United went to Huddersfield and faced former manager Neil Warnock. Huddersfield only needed a point to stay up and after the Blades dominated the first half, the home side upped it and got a winner to survive as a rather tired away side ran out of gas. The final game was also on the road at Birmingham with both sides having absolutely nothing to play for but United were dominant and should have won by more goals than the 2-1 win with a header from McBurnie and McAtee.
The following week saw United celebrate with their fans at the Town Hall Parade. We have done these before and the last one was a bit poorly planned but it was better this time with the players back on the balcony too. They did not announce everyone which was a bit odd but there were some good moments with the Sharp emotional speech and the Brewster anti Wednesday chant (some people may say it was right cringy). The players seemed to be having great fun and with more social media stuff than ever before it was great to see the smiles on all the lads faces. The ones who had not experienced it before like Foderingham, Robinson, Berge, McBurnie and the two City lads were clearly really enjoying it.
Summary
Final League Position: 2nd
Won 28, Drew 7, Lost 11
Points taken from teams this season:
6 – Bristol City, Cardiff, Hull, PNE, Reading, Sunderland, Swansea, WBA, Wigan
4 – Birmingham, Blackpool, Norwich
3 – Blackburn, Burnley, Coventry, Huddersfield, Millwall, Stoke, Watford
2 – None
1 – Boro, Luton, QPR, Rotherham
0 - None
Scored: 73 Goals. (3rd best to Burnley and Man City) Averaged 1.59 per game.
Time period when goals are scored:
0-10 mins – 8 (11%)
11-20 mins – 5 (7%)
21 – 30 mins – 7 (10%)
30 – 41 mins – 7 (10%)
41 – 50 mins – 7 (10%)
51 – 60 mins – 8 (11%)
61 – 70 mins – 9 (12%)
71- 80 mins – 13 (16%)
81 – 90 mins – 9 (12%)
XG for per match – 1.84 - 1st in the league
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Average possession: 51% (10th in the league)
Passing accuracy: 75% (10tth in the league)
Shots on goal per game: 5.0 shots on goal (1st in the league)
Big chances created: 83 (1st in the league)
Bog chances missed: 62 (1st in the league)
Foul per game: 10.5 (14th in the league)
Conceded: 39 = 0.84 goals conceded per game (2nd best to Burnley)
XG against per match – 1.25 (3rd best to Burnley and Stoke)
Time period when goals are conceded:
0-10 mins – 5 (13%)
11-20 mins – 5 (13%)
21 – 30 mins – 3 (7%)
30 – 41 mins – 1 (2%)
41 – 50 mins – 6 (16%)
51 – 60 mins – 7 (18%)
61 – 70 mins – 5 (13%)
71- 80 mins – 3 (7%)
81 – 90 mins – 4 (11%)
Tackles: 11.5 per game – 64.2% success rate (1st in the league)
Interceptions: 486 – 10.6 per game (6th in the league)
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Average age: 26.8 (20th out of 24 teams) - (last season 27.1)
Individual stats
Last season stats are from fewer games*
Leading Scorer: Ndiaye 14 (Last season Sharp 14)
Most Appearances: Egan 44 (Last season Egan 46)
Most Assists: Ndiaye 10 (Last season Gibbs White 9)
Goals and Assists: Ndiaye 24
Goals per 90: McBurnie 0.53
Expected Goals XG: Ndiaye 12.8
Expected Goals XG per 90: McBurnie 0.45
Expected Goals on Target (xGOT): Ndiaye 14.7
Shots on target per 90: McBurnie 1.7
Shots per 90: McBurnie 3.4
Big Chances created: Ndiaye 10
Successful dribbles per 90: Ndiaye 2.7
Most shots: McBurnie 80 (Last season Gibbs White 85)
Total Passes: Norwood 2470 (Last season Norwood 2,734)
Accurate passes per 90: Norwood 49.4
Tackles: Norwood 111 (Last season Norwood 81)
Successful tackles per 90: Lowe 2.9
Interceptions: Egan 80 (Last season Egan 50)
Clearances: Egan 190 (Last season Egan 182)
Offsides: Ndiaye 17 (Last season Sharp 33)
Most fouls: Ndiaye 48
Most fouled: Ndiaye 73
Yellow cards: Ahmedhodzic 12 (Last season Fleck 10)
Red cards: Foderingham 2 (Last season 1 each Gibbs White/Goode)
As I have traditionally done at the end of the last few seasons; it is that time again when I write a review of the campaign and also compile a school report for the different sections of the club. I will look at how they have fared and what are the prospects for next season for each respective department of the club.
If anyone wants a full copy in advance then DM me on twitter (Deadbat_DB) or on here send me your e mail address and I will gladly send over.
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I will begin with the review of the season and then tomorrow will be a breakdown of the club, board and manager/s. Over the next week, I will then add to this looking at players. each area of the squad beginning with goalkeeper etc. I will look at contract situations (may be wrong with some of these so again come in if I have got any wrong) and what might happen to each area of the team. I will also look at the academy – and list every player who has played for the club from u16’s right through to the senior team with some level of analysis.
This year I am doing the academy/development squad last as still waiting for the seasons to finish for the u21 and u18’s (finished last Friday).
It will be an 8 part review so will release one each day from today….
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Feel free to add comments/disagree/debate.....after each post I make.
I have graded the board, the manager, players and the fans; in a traditional school report style of A+ to F- (every player who started at least one game- think I may have graded a few others too).
I have had to grade players based on the games they did play so some players who played a lot more may still get a lower grade despite disproportionate number of games in comparison. I have also tried to discuss some of the U21/U18 players.
I have seen most games this season but there have been the odd ones I missed (Boro on holiday and Blackpool away– ashamedly at Hillsborough and possibly a few others where I had streaming issues!)
If I have missed anyone then please say. Feel free to weigh in with critique, opinions and even in some cases agreements!
*I wrote some of this a few weeks ago so elements might be a bit out of date/inaccurate and granted some player contracts/decisions on contracts might be made as I release this.
Season review
The previous season had been a tale of two halves with the disastrous spell under Slavisa Jokanovic then turned round completely by Paul Heckingbottom with the style and intensity hugely improved. United gradually moved up the league and eventually despite a bit of a late wobble, they finished strong and punched their place in the playoffs. A poor showing in the first leg to Forest seemed to have ended the campaign but a spirited effort at the City Ground saw United come so close to making it to Wembley eventually losing on penalties.
However, despite this heartbreak, the side had found its identity and Heckingbottom had more than steadied the ship. Some high-profile players departed with the popular David McGoldrick allowed to join Derby on a free whilst big money signings Burke and Mousset also moved on. Freeman and Verrips were more low-key departures but the former had also cost a lot of money with little output. Osula was to go out on loan joining McGoldrick at Derby and keepers Eastwood and Amissah would also go out loan later in the window.
In terms of incomers with rumours abounding of Abdullah potentially seeking new investment and funds being tight, it was not expected many would come through the door. We saw loan signings come in with Khadra, Clark, McAtee and Doyle from the Premier League. Ismaila Coulibaly was brought into the fold as a first team player. A surprise signing was Anel Ahmedhodzic who came in for a rumoured 4.5 million pounds – a player United had courted the previous season.
Of course, Morgan Gibbs White was not to return and eventually went for a whopping 35 million pounds to the playoff nemesis Forest but the fact Ndaiye and Berge remained meant they had to feel confident they could be in and around the top 6 again for this season. There was talk of the three teams coming down being strong of course but two had new managers and Dean Smith was not seen as the same type of coach as Daniel Farke. There were sides like West Brom and Middlesbrough fancies who had recruited well but the other playoff sides Huddersfield and Luton were not fancied to be as strong. It really did seem a wide-open division.
Pre-season saw issues over the kit mixed in with some poor showings at Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Mansfield where the side were conceding some shocking goals meant that once again (after barely playing in the pre-season a year ago) there was some doubts going into the campaign as the Blades began under the lights on a Friday night again – just as they had v Birmingham a season ago.
August
A poor performance in a poor game saw United somehow concede from their own corner at Watford and in the end did not deserve anything from the game at all. They bounced back a week later with a solid win against Millwall with Ndiaye and Berge putting them in control early and they saw the game out in comfort against a traditionally tricky opponent.
A cup defeat at West Brom with a much-changed team was not a major concern and then the Blades led twice at Middlesbrough but could not hold on in a 2-2 draw against former manager Wilder. There were pockets of good play mixed in with some sloppy defensive play but they got back on track with two home wins, firstly against Sunderland, helped by an early red card. Ahmedhodzic and Lowe scored their first goals for the club and they held on despite a spirited comeback from the Mackems. The following Saturday, the Blades put in their best performance of the season as they thumped the then league leaders Blackburn. Norwood’s brilliant free kick and then Ndiaye with a scruffy goal put them in control but the late solo goal from the Senegalese was simply sensational. His early season form was captivating the United fans and showing them, he could become something really special.
A 1-1 draw at Luton was fine with McBurnie finally registering after a long drought and Amissah making his debut after Foderingham was taken off ill near the end. Another hammering of a league pace setter, Reading, followed at the Lane. The impressive Ahmedhodzic scored again (twice) and with Ndiaye/McBurnie also registering, the month and start had on the whole been a good one. United were looking fluent attacking wise and were putting some of the so-called better sides away with ease.
September
A solid win at Hull with strikes from McBurnie and Berge was followed by a less than convincing display in South Wales but a late goal with virtually the last kick of the game from sub Khadra won it at the death.
Another away win, at Deepdale, with once again goals from Ndiaye and McBurnie, who were developing an excellent partnership, had United right near the top of the league and looking imperious.
However, with two home games to follow the three away wins, the unpredictable nature of the Championship was proved yet again as a physical Birmingham took a point at the Lane to keep United fans grounded.
October
A first home defeat of the season to an excellent QPR side was compounded by injuries sustained and the Blades squad was starting to be stretched. A patched up side lost at Stoke and then a ridiculous 3-3 draw at home to Blackpool where United had won the game easily but then somehow went behind before scoring late on – in a game they missed a penalty and featured 4 sending off (3 for Pool and 1 for United).
United’s stuttering recent form continued as they lost 1-0 at Coventry after controlling most of the game but rarely looking like scoring. Basham’s reckless tackle saw the Sky Blues get a smash and grab victory.
The frustration continued as United then went two behind at home to Norwich with Foderingham’s replacement, Davies, making a rick early on leading to the Blades trailing. The comeback with goals from Osborn and McBurnie was nearly wasted after Egan gave away a late penalty but Davies made up for his mistake with a crucial save. Remarkably, United still had time to win it but McBurnie missed a header at point blank range.
The final game of the month saw Carlos Corberan’s first game in charge of West Brom but an excellent team performance saw Ndiaye and McBurnie get United back on track.
November
Another trip on the road followed but United were really poor at Bristol City who dominated for long spells but a brave Ndiaye header saw the undeserved win that left former Owl Nigel Pearson extremely bitter in his post-match comments.
The following week the Blades absolutely destroyed runaway leaders Burnley at the Lane. Trailing 2-1 at the break after errors from Jack Robinson, United completely turned it around after half time and McBurnie, Robinson, Ahmedhodic and McBurnie again, all scored at the Kop end as the Blades exploited Burnley’s weaknesses in defending set plays.
This was a real marker seemingly to what United could produce but their inconsistency was shown as they then failed to turn up at all against local rivals Rotherham a few days later and the Millers nicked a rare win at the Lane. The final game before the break saw a scrappy game but a Baldock goal was enough to see United squeak past Cardiff on the road and go into the World Cup break in second place and in good spirits despite an ever-increasing injury list.
December
After four weeks off, the Blades returned to action and returning World Cup star Ndiaye given a lusty hand as he was announced prior to kick off. His assist and Sharp’s finish accounted for a struggling Huddersfield side.
Just before Christmas, the Blades went to another club at the wrong end of the table and they were able to see off Wigan with another goal from Sharp in a 2-1 win. Boxing Day brought a better performance as in form Coventry were dispatched with loanees McAtee, Clark and Doyle scoring. Egan’s red card took the shine off things but United still were able to go to Blackpool and win in the week – McAtee scoring a sensational individual goal in another 2-1 away victory.
January
The first game of the new year saw United not really turn up at Loftus Road but the returning Egan scored with almost the last kick of the game to get a point. This could prove crucial at the end of the season. United returned to London for the FA Cup and made changes but still won rather easily with Jebbison and Bogle scoring.
Stoke were put away with Bogle scoring a brace in an excellent individual display before a grittier and hard-fought victory followed the next week with Jebbison’s early goal enough to beat Hull City.
The 4th round of the cup saw a glamour tie with Wrexham with much of the focus on the Welsh sides’ Hollywood owners. The Blades led but then completely fell apart in the second half and needed another late Egan goal to salvage a replay. Jebbison’s red card was not helping with the Blades ability to rotate tired legs.
February
A poor game at the New York stadium saw United untroubled but not do enough the other way in a stalemate before Wrexham were beaten in a testy replay at the Lane but once again late goals were needed (Sharp and Berge) after Wrexham had levelled and then missed a penalty in a pulsating contest.
United had their first comfortable win for some time as a poor Swansea side were given a going over, in much the same way they were last season at the Lane.
The next spell featured United playing many of their rivals at the top and they could really make a big statement with Middlesbrough in town. Michael Carrick’s side had been in superb form and continued this roaring back from a goal down to win the game in an accomplished showing.
A trip to Millwall followed but again United did not really turn up and trailed early on. They got back in the game twice and looked the more likely but more naïve defending saw them somehow lose. A resilient showing at home to Watford saw the wobbling Blades back on track with an own goal sealing a narrow 1-0 win.
The 5th round of the cup was to follow and despite bringing in several fringe players, United were superb with an organisation, resilience and no little skill that saw them stay in the game with comfort before late sub deservedly won it with a wonder goal. However, any confidence gained from this game was not followed up in the league as the stuttering form continued as Blackburn outplayed them for the majority of the game and once again United lost to a rival at the top.
March
A mid-week trip to Reading with Boro breathing down their necks meant we would see what United were made of and a committed if not totally convincing performance saw them back to winning ways with Ndiaye’s goal from a McBurnie cross all that was needed.
However, the following weekend, a well organised and physical Luton side were able to stop United creating anything and nicked a winner, continuing their recent rise up the table and in doing so further fraying the nerves of a United team that seemed well set for promotion prior to the recent set of games. Now it was an altogether different feeling with Burnley well clear and a cluster of sides baying for United’s blood. Boro had been winning almost every week but dropped points at home to Stoke and United were able to make them pay with a comeback win at the Stadium of Light with loanees McAtee and Doyle’s goals rewarding Heckingbottom for bringing them back in.
The final game of the month saw the FA Cup quarter final and an enthralling contest saw United trail twice but fought back and then in a final twist, Doyle’s wonder strike in stoppage time sent the Blades to Wembley in front of a jubilant Bramall Lane.
April
The first game of the run in after the final international break saw a crucial win at Norwich with McAtee on the spot for the winner in a professional display. With Boro being shocked at Warnock’s Huddersfield, it seemed a pivotal swing and after Luton then only drew at Millwall, the Blades were able to see off bottom side Wigan thanks to Ndiaye’s goal. Burnley sealed promotion by winning at The Riverside but in doing so dealt another hammer blow to Middlesbrough’s hopes of going up.
It seemed United were now in a great position to finish 2nd but we had a swing the other day as Luton won and Boro drew against Blackpool and Bristol City respectively and Burnley got revenge for the hammering at the Lane, giving United their first loss in four after a nightmare moment for Wes Foderingham saw the United man sent off. The gap was back to 5 points with 6 to play for United and 5 for the chasers. However, the Blades thumped Cardiff 4-1 meaning they retained this gap despite wins for both Boro and Luton over this weekend.
The gap was maintained as the Blades saw off Bristol City in a narrow victory thanks to McAtee’s late goal and although Boro won, Luton only drew at lowly Reading. Luton then saw off Boro, ending their hopes of automatic and although they were now within 4 points, they only had 2 games left and the Blades knew just one win was required.
The Blades of course had a break from league play with their trip to Wembley and as expected they were well beaten by the juggernauts of Manchester City despite holding the Champions for nearly a whole half.
It was back to the league and the chance to seal promotion at home to West Brom and after another nervy first half, goals from Berge, superbly assisted from Ndiaye and then Ahmedhodzic saw jubilant scenes around a packed Bramall Lane. To go up with three games to spare showed what a fantastic job the team and manager had done.
Despite the celebrations, the Blades were able to make it four wins out of four when they dispatched a poor Preston side 4-1 at the Lane with Ndiaye again impressing but sub Jebbison showing an excellent cameo as goals from Ahmedhodzic (again), Fleck, Ndiaye and then McBurnie helped cap a memorable week.
May
United went to Huddersfield and faced former manager Neil Warnock. Huddersfield only needed a point to stay up and after the Blades dominated the first half, the home side upped it and got a winner to survive as a rather tired away side ran out of gas. The final game was also on the road at Birmingham with both sides having absolutely nothing to play for but United were dominant and should have won by more goals than the 2-1 win with a header from McBurnie and McAtee.
The following week saw United celebrate with their fans at the Town Hall Parade. We have done these before and the last one was a bit poorly planned but it was better this time with the players back on the balcony too. They did not announce everyone which was a bit odd but there were some good moments with the Sharp emotional speech and the Brewster anti Wednesday chant (some people may say it was right cringy). The players seemed to be having great fun and with more social media stuff than ever before it was great to see the smiles on all the lads faces. The ones who had not experienced it before like Foderingham, Robinson, Berge, McBurnie and the two City lads were clearly really enjoying it.
Summary
Final League Position: 2nd
Won 28, Drew 7, Lost 11
Points taken from teams this season:
6 – Bristol City, Cardiff, Hull, PNE, Reading, Sunderland, Swansea, WBA, Wigan
4 – Birmingham, Blackpool, Norwich
3 – Blackburn, Burnley, Coventry, Huddersfield, Millwall, Stoke, Watford
2 – None
1 – Boro, Luton, QPR, Rotherham
0 - None
Scored: 73 Goals. (3rd best to Burnley and Man City) Averaged 1.59 per game.
Time period when goals are scored:
0-10 mins – 8 (11%)
11-20 mins – 5 (7%)
21 – 30 mins – 7 (10%)
30 – 41 mins – 7 (10%)
41 – 50 mins – 7 (10%)
51 – 60 mins – 8 (11%)
61 – 70 mins – 9 (12%)
71- 80 mins – 13 (16%)
81 – 90 mins – 9 (12%)
XG for per match – 1.84 - 1st in the league
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Average possession: 51% (10th in the league)
Passing accuracy: 75% (10tth in the league)
Shots on goal per game: 5.0 shots on goal (1st in the league)
Big chances created: 83 (1st in the league)
Bog chances missed: 62 (1st in the league)
Foul per game: 10.5 (14th in the league)
Conceded: 39 = 0.84 goals conceded per game (2nd best to Burnley)
XG against per match – 1.25 (3rd best to Burnley and Stoke)
Time period when goals are conceded:
0-10 mins – 5 (13%)
11-20 mins – 5 (13%)
21 – 30 mins – 3 (7%)
30 – 41 mins – 1 (2%)
41 – 50 mins – 6 (16%)
51 – 60 mins – 7 (18%)
61 – 70 mins – 5 (13%)
71- 80 mins – 3 (7%)
81 – 90 mins – 4 (11%)
Tackles: 11.5 per game – 64.2% success rate (1st in the league)
Interceptions: 486 – 10.6 per game (6th in the league)
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Average age: 26.8 (20th out of 24 teams) - (last season 27.1)
Individual stats
Last season stats are from fewer games*
Leading Scorer: Ndiaye 14 (Last season Sharp 14)
Most Appearances: Egan 44 (Last season Egan 46)
Most Assists: Ndiaye 10 (Last season Gibbs White 9)
Goals and Assists: Ndiaye 24
Goals per 90: McBurnie 0.53
Expected Goals XG: Ndiaye 12.8
Expected Goals XG per 90: McBurnie 0.45
Expected Goals on Target (xGOT): Ndiaye 14.7
Shots on target per 90: McBurnie 1.7
Shots per 90: McBurnie 3.4
Big Chances created: Ndiaye 10
Successful dribbles per 90: Ndiaye 2.7
Most shots: McBurnie 80 (Last season Gibbs White 85)
Total Passes: Norwood 2470 (Last season Norwood 2,734)
Accurate passes per 90: Norwood 49.4
Tackles: Norwood 111 (Last season Norwood 81)
Successful tackles per 90: Lowe 2.9
Interceptions: Egan 80 (Last season Egan 50)
Clearances: Egan 190 (Last season Egan 182)
Offsides: Ndiaye 17 (Last season Sharp 33)
Most fouls: Ndiaye 48
Most fouled: Ndiaye 73
Yellow cards: Ahmedhodzic 12 (Last season Fleck 10)
Red cards: Foderingham 2 (Last season 1 each Gibbs White/Goode)
