2023–24 Sheffield United F.C. season explained

Club:Sheffield United
Season:2023–24
Owner:Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud
Chairman:Yusuf Giansiracusa
Manager:Paul Heckingbottom
[1]
Chris Wilder
Stadium:Bramall Lane
League:Premier League
League Result:20th (relegated)
Cup1:FA Cup
Cup1 Result:Fourth round
Cup2:EFL Cup
Cup2 Result:Second round
League Topscorer:
Ben Brereton Díaz
Oli McBurnie
(6 each)
Season Topscorer:
Ben Brereton Díaz
Oli McBurnie
(6 each)
Highest Attendance:31,336 (vs Manchester City, 27 August 2023)
Lowest Attendance:11,040 (vs Lincoln City, 30 August 2023)
Largest Win:4–0 vs Gillingham (away)
(6 January 2024)
Largest Loss:0–8 vs Newcastle United (home)
(24 September 2023)
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Prevseason:2022–23
Nextseason:2024–25

The 2023–24 season was the 135th season in the history of Sheffield United and their first season in the Premier League since the 2020–21 season following their promotion from the Championship in the previous season. The club also participated in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.

Following a 4–2 loss to Manchester United on 24 April, Sheffield United broke the record of 89 goals conceded in a 38-game Premier League season set by Derby County in the 2007–08 season.[2] [3] Three days later, the club were officially relegated back to the Championship following a 5–1 defeat away to Newcastle United. This defeat left the Blades on 16 points, 10 fewer than 17th-placed Nottingham Forest with only three matches remaining.[4]

On 4 May, following a 3–1 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, the club equaled Swindon Town's record of most goals conceded in the Premier League in 1993–94, with 100.[5] A week later, on 11 May, they surpassed the previous record with a 1–0 away defeat against Everton.[6]

On the final matchday of the season, Sheffield United suffered a 3–0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, setting a new record of 104 goals conceded. This also resulted in a goal difference of –69, matching Derby County's negative record from the aforementioned 2007–08 season.[7] Additionally, they set new records for goals conceded at home with 57, surpassing Aston Villa's record from the 1935–36 season, and recorded a home goal difference of –38.[8]

Squad

No.PlayerPositionNat.Place of birthDate of birth (age)Previous clubDate signedFeeContract end
Goalkeepers
1 25 January 2022 £300,000 30 June 2024
13 26 January 2024Undisclosed 30 June 2027
18 27 July 2020 Free 30 June 2024
37 4 July 2018 Free 30 June 2024
Defenders
2 1 July 2017 £740,000 30 June 2024
3 7 September 2020 £3,850,000 30 June 2024
5 12 August 1998 3 August 2023 £5,000,000 30 June 2027
6 1 July 2014 Free 30 June 2024
12 19 July 2018 £4,500,000 30 June 2024
15 6 July 2022 £4,500,000 30 June 2026
19 1 September 1993 21 January 2020 Undisclosed 30 June 2025
20 7 September 2020 £3,850,000 30 June 2024
27 1 January 2001 17 July 2023 Loan 31 May 2024
29 25 January 2024 Undisclosed 30 June 2027
30 22 October 1996 1 February 2024 Loan 31 May 2024
33 1 July 2017 Undisclosed 30 June 2024
Midfielders
8 24 June 1997 12 August 2023 Undisclosed 30 June 2027
16 4 January 2019 £2,000,000 30 June 2024
21 17 June 1999 9 August 2023 £10,300,000 30 June 2027
22 30 June 1998 16 August 2023 Free 30 June 2026
23 26 July 2019 £3,500,000 30 June 2024
24 5 May 2004 Academy 1 July 2021 Trainee 30 June 2024
25 16 March 2001 13 July 2023 Undisclosed 30 June 2026
28 18 October 2002 1 September 2023 Loan 31 May 2024
35 Academy 1 July 2021 Trainee 30 June 2027
43 Evan Easton 14 January 2005 11 September 2023 Free 30 June 2025
Forwards
7 2 October 2020 £26,000,000 30 June 2025
9 2 August 2019 £17,500,000 30 June 2024
10 9 December 2001 27 August 2023 £18,500,000 30 June 2027
11 18 April 1999 5 January 2024 Loan 31 May 2024
32 Academy 1 July 2021 Trainee 30 June 2027
34 16 October 2003 Academy 1 July 2022 Trainee 30 June 2026
36 Academy 1 July 2021 Trainee 30 June 2024
45 Billy Blacker 25 May 2006 Academy 18 February 2024 Trainee 30 June 2024
Out on Loan
11 30 November 2002 18 July 2023 Undisclosed 30 June 2027
17 8 September 2020 £1,750,000 30 June 2024
38 28 April 2002 24 September 2019 Undisclosed 30 June 2027
39 20 March 2004 Academy 1 July 2021 Trainee 30 June 2026
40 21 December 2021 Undisclosed 30 June 2024
Academy 1 July 2022 Trainee 30 June 2024

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals

Updated 4 May 2024|-! colspan=14 style=background:#DCDCDC; text-align:center| Goalkeepers |-! colspan=14 style=background:#DCDCDC; text-align:center| Defenders|-! colspan=14 style=background:#DCDCDC; text-align:center| Midfielders|-! colspan=14 style=background:#DCDCDC; text-align:center| Forwards |-!colspan=14|Player(s) out on loan: |-!colspan=14|Players who left the club: |}

Goals

Rank No. Nat. Pos. Player Total
19 FWOli McBurnie 6006
11 FWBen Brereton Díaz 6006
28 MFGustavo Hamer 4105
28 MFJames McAtee 3205
310 FWCameron Archer 4004
420 DFJayden Bogle 3003
32 FWWilliam Osula 0303
515 DFAnel Ahmedhodžić 2002
616 MFOliver Norwood 1001
21 MFVinícius Souza 1001
19 DFJack Robinson 1001
Own goals 4004
Totals 356041

Transfers

In

DatePos.PlayerTransferred fromFeeRef.
13 July 2023 Undisclosed [9]
18 July 2023 Undisclosed [10]
3 August 2023 Undisclosed [11]
9 August 2023 Undisclosed [12]
12 August 2023 Undisclosed [13]
16 August 2023 Free transfer [14]
27 August 2023 Undisclosed [15]
2 September 2023 Ryan OnéUndisclosed [16]
11 September 2023 Evan Easton † Free transfer
11 September 2023 Jay Tinsdale † Free transfer [17]
25 January 2024 Undisclosed [18]
26 January 2024 Undisclosed [19]
† Signed initially for the development squad

Out

DatePos.PlayerTransferred toFeeRef.
14 June 2023 Undisclosed [20]
30 June 2023 Tom Angell Released [21]
30 June 2023 Released
30 June 2023 Jean Belehouan Released
30 June 2023 Released
30 June 2023 Henry Hampshaw Released [22]
30 June 2023 Callum Hiddleston Released
30 June 2023 Retired
30 June 2023 Johnny Oluleye Released
30 June 2023 Released [23] [24]
30 June 2023 Released
30 June 2023 Released [25]
30 June 2023 Luther Williams Released
2 July 2023 Theo Williams Free transfer [26]
4 July 2023 Undisclosed [27]
4 July 2023 Undisclosed [28]
1 August 2023 Undisclosed [29]
9 August 2023 Undisclosed [30]
17 November 2023 Marcus Dewhurst Free Transfer [31]
4 January 2024 Undisclosed [32]
1 February 2024 Free Transfer [33]
1 February 2024 Finley Potter Undisclosed
23 February 2024 Undisclosed [34]

Loaned in

DatePos.PlayerLoaned fromUntilRef.
17 July 2023 End of season [35]
31 August 2023 12 January 2024 [36] [37]
1 September 2023 End of season [38]
5 January 2024 End of season [39]
1 February 2024 End of season [40]

Loaned out

DatePos.PlayerLoaned toUntilRef.
13 July 2023 12 January 2024 [41] [42]
17 July 2023 29 December 2023 [43] [44]
17 July 2023 Finley Potter 1 February 2024 [45] [46]
17 July 2023 Dylan Wharton End of season [47]
14 August 2023 3 January 2024 [48] [49]
18 August 2023 Frankie Maguire 2 January 2024 [50]
1 September 2023 10 January 2024 [51] [52]
4 January 2024 End of season [53]
12 January 2024 End of Season [54]
15 January 2024 End of Season [55]
18 January 2024 Frankie Maguire End of season [56]
1 February 2024 End of Season [57]
1 February 2024 End of season [58]
1 February 2024 End of Season [59]
2 February 2024 End of season [60]

Pre-season and friendlies

On 1 June, Sheffield United announced three pre-season friendlies, against Chesterfield, Rotherham United and Derby County along with a training camp in Europe.[61] A home friendly against VfB Stuttgart was later confirmed.[62] Also revealed was a behind-closed-doors fixture versus Girona.[63] On 7 July, a sixth and final friendly was announced, against Estoril.[64]

Competitions

Premier League

See main article: 2023–24 Premier League.

Matches

On 15 June, the Premier League fixtures were released.[65]

FA Cup

See main article: 2023–24 FA Cup. Sheffield United entered in the third round, and were drawn away to Gillingham.[66] [67] They were then drawn at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round.[68] [69]

EFL Cup

See main article: 2023–24 EFL Cup.

Sheffield United entered in the second round, and were drawn at home to Lincoln City.[70]

Notes and References

  1. News: Sheffield United replacing manager Paul Heckingbottom with Chris Wilder . 5 December 2023 . Independent Television . 5 December 2023.
  2. Web site: White . Tom . 25 April 2024 . 92 goals conceded and counting - A look at the beleaguered Blades' sorry stats . 1 May 2024 . Irish Examiner.
  3. News: White . Tom . 25 April 2024 . 92 goals conceded and counting – A look at the beleaguered Blades’ sorry stats . 1 May 2024 . The Irish News.
  4. Web site: Sheffield United relegated from Premier League and edge closer to unwanted record with Newcastle thrashing . talkSPORT . 27 April 2024 .
  5. Web site: Cunningham . Jack . Sheffield United become first Premier League side in history to reach unwanted milestone . talkSPORT . 4 May 2024 .
  6. Web site: Sheffield United set new Prem record with 101 goals conceded . ABC News . 11 May 2024 .
  7. Web site: Sheffield United 0–3 Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs thump Sheff Utd to clinch Europa League spot . BBC Sport . 19 May 2024 . 19 May 2024.
  8. Web site: For the record . Premier League . 19 May 2024 .
  9. News: Anis is a Blade . 13 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 13 July 2023.
  10. News: Bénie is a Blade . 18 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 18 July 2023.
  11. News: United sign Trusty . 3 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 3 August 2023.
  12. News: Big Vini is a Blade. 9 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 9 August 2023.
  13. News: Hamer time . 12 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 12 August 2023.
  14. News: Sheff Utd sign midfielder Davies after Everton exit . 16 August 2023 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 16 August 2023.
  15. News: Cameron signs in . 27 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 27 August 2023.
  16. News: Blades sign Ryan Oné . 2 September 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 2 September 2023.
  17. News: United add academy duo . 11 September 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 11 September 2023.
  18. Web site: Exciting youngster joins Blades. Sheffield United. FC. 25 January 2024. Sheffield United FC.
  19. News: Goalkeeper signs . 26 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 26 January 2024.
  20. News: Broadbent Moves On . 1 June 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 1 June 2023.
  21. News: Angell Arrives At Basford United . 5 August 2023 . Northern Premier League . 5 August 2023.
  22. News: Hampshaw Returns . 21 July 2023 . Stocksbridge Park Steels FC . 21 July 2023.
  23. News: Squad restructure . 7 June 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 7 June 2023.
  24. News: LA Galaxy Sign Forward Billy Sharp . 15 August 2023 . LA Galaxy . 15 August 2023.
  25. News: Stoke sign ex-Sheff Utd & Villa defender Stevens . 5 July 2023 . British Broadcasting Corporation . 5 July 2023.
  26. News: Theo Williams joins up with Town’s Development Squad . 2 July 2023 . Fleetwood Town FC . 2 July 2023.
  27. News: Goalkeeper departs . 4 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 4 July 2023.
  28. News: Zak Brunt signs for Barnet FC. 4 July 2023 . Barnet FC . 4 July 2023.
  29. News: Iliman joins boyhood club . 1 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 1 August 2023.
  30. News: Berge Departs . 10 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 9 August 2023.
  31. News: Dewhurst departs . 17 November 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 17 November 2023.
  32. News: Harrison Neal departs . 4 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 4 January 2024.
  33. News: Fleck departs . 2 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 1 February 2024.
  34. News: Toronto FC sign French Defender Nicksoen Gomis . 24 February 2024 . Toronto FC . 23 February 2024.
  35. News: Blades land Larouci . 17 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 17 July 2023.
  36. News: Loaned Luke signs in . 31 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 31 August 2023.
  37. News: Thomas returns to Leicester . 12 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 12 January 2024.
  38. News: Return of the Mc . 1 September 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 1 September 2023.
  39. News: New Year, New Striker . 5 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 5 January 2024.
  40. News: Mason is a Blade . 1 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 1 February 2024.
  41. News: Boyes joins Wycombe on loan . 13 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 13 July 2023.
  42. News: Harry Boyes' Loan Spell Comes To An End . 12 January 2024 . Wycombe Wanderers FC . 12 January 2024.
  43. News: Oliver Arblaster Joins The Valiants on a Season-Long Loan . 17 July 2023 . Port Vale FC . 17 July 2023.
  44. News: Oliver Arblaster Recalled By Sheffield United . 29 December 2023 . Port Vale FC . 29 December 2023.
  45. News: Potter Loaned . 17 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 17 July 2023.
  46. News: Finley departs . 1 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 1 February 2024.
  47. News: Sheff U 'keeper Dylan Wharton Secured on Season Long Loan . 17 July 2023 . Gainsborough Trinity FC . 17 July 2023.
  48. News: Another loan spell for Harrison . 14 August 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 14 August 2023.
  49. News: Three loan players return to parent clubs . 3 January 2024 . Stevenage FC . 3 January 2024.
  50. News: Chester FC sign Frankie Maguire on loan . 19 August 2023 . Chester FC . 18 August 2023.
  51. News: Rovers sign Blades forward Louie Marsh on season-long loan . 2 September 2023 . Doncaster Rovers FC . 1 September 2023.
  52. News: Louie Marsh loan ended . 10 January 2024 . Doncaster Rovers FC . 10 January 2024.
  53. News: Benie Checks Out On Loan . 4 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 4 January 2024.
  54. News: Boyes heads to Fleetwood . 12 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 12 January 2024.
  55. News: Mellon Adds Sachdev As Right Back . 16 January 2024 . Oldham Athletic AFC . 15 January 2024.
  56. News: Loan Signing - Frankie Maguire . 18 January 2024 . Chorley FC . 18 January 2024.
  57. News: Jili heads north with new deal . 2 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 1 February 2024.
  58. News: Loan for young striker . 1 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 1 February 2024.
  59. News: New contract and loan for Femi . 2 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 1 February 2024.
  60. News: Loan switch for Ismaila . 2 February 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 2 February 2024.
  61. News: Local Friendlies Announced . 1 June 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 1 June 2023.
  62. News: Home friendly confirmed . 23 June 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 23 June 2023.
  63. News: Another friendly added . 4 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 4 July 2023.
  64. News: Portuguese friendly confirmed . 7 July 2023 . Sheffield United FC . 7 July 2023.
  65. News: 2023/24 Premier League Fixtues Announced . 15 June 2023 . Sheffield United F.C. . 15 June 2023.
  66. News: FA Cup third-round draw: Arsenal v Liverpool, Sunderland v Newcastle, Wigan v Man Utd, Man City v Huddersfield. 3 December 2023. BBC Sport. 4 December 2023.
  67. News: Cup tie date confirmed . 8 December 2023 . Sheffield United F.C. . 8 December 2023.
  68. News: Blades to host Seagulls in round four . 8 January 2024 . Sheffield United F.C. . 8 January 2024.
  69. News: Date confirmed for Brighton cup showdown . 12 January 2024 . Sheffield United FC . 12 January 2024.
  70. News: See the Carabao Cup Round Two draw . 10 August 2023 . English Football League . 9 August 2023.