The rest

Ched Evans came in controversially just after we got promoted but never really established himself at all and looked a long way off the pace. Seemingly always injured he actually did play 9 games but cannot recall many stand out performances and he was largely quite poor, lacking pace, strength and quality needed for the higher level. He looked a long way from the player who ripped up League One when he was last at United. Fleetwood signed him on loan and he found his scoring boots again. Despite a few more injuries he has played most of the season and done well for Joey Barton. He nearly ended up at Bolton but was probably glad he didn’t in the end. He scored 18 goals and got back to leading the line for a side on the fringes of the playoffs.

Evans has another season to go but it would be in the best interests of all if he was allowed to leave. He has done well at League One for a few clubs but has never proved to be good enough consistently at anything above this and that was even before a long time out of the game although that long spell away prevented any chance for him to go on and prove he could be a competent and effective player in the top two divisions. An odd signing from Wilder that never worked and in his second spell he was ineffective.

Caolan Lavery was very much part of things in the title side and scored and assisted quite a few goals. He even was involved in some of the early games in the Championship but increased competition at a higher level and the fact he continued to be injury prone, restricted his chances. He went on loan at Rotherham but was not even a regular there. He was still around to start the season but was not part of the first team squad and eventually went to Bury on loan. He played more here and scored 5 goals but again was not a first team starter every week but was involved in a promotion. He will move on this summer as needs to be playing regularly and lower league is his level despite being a promising player at both Sheffield clubs.

Jordan Hallam scored a lot of goals at the junior levels and progressed via the age groups. A decent technical player he ended up more in the Duffy type role than as a striker as he lacks pace and strength to maybe be an out and lout forward. Technically very good and takes corners/set plays, he always looked a stand out when I saw the u23s. Had a spell at Chesterfield and I was unsure if he had quite enough to push on here but was pleased S****horpe took him on. He has featured a few times and scored his first goal at Rochdale but was not involved much as the Iron went down. A lad who I hope goes on to have a league career and United again hopefully have a sell on clause for any future deal.

Tyler Smith played well on loan at Barrow and scored 10 goals. He was brought back as United had a few injuries and he was on the bench against West Brom before he was allowed to move on loan to Doncaster. Wilder felt he needed to be tested at a higher level and he started his spell superbly with two goals as he came on as a sub against Burton. After this he did not feature too much and was mainly on the bench. Indeed, he only played 70 odd minutes I believe. Hopefully he can get a season long loan at League 1/2 next season and continue his progression. A quick player who plays on the shoulders; interesting that Billy Sharp sees a bit of himself in Smith.

Oliver Greaves was looking really promising till a bad injury but has fought his way back and ended up being a key player for the u23’s and went to Valencia with the first team squad. He was on a contract that ended this summer so be interested if we extend that as I think United think, he has a chance.

Simeon Oure is a midfielder/striker who has good pace and a bit of a box of tricks. Still feel there is a bit of potential in him but like Greaves unsure if he has another deal.

David Parkhouse was bizarrely linked with Manchester United a few years ago but now has drifted around a few loan spells in non-league and seems a long way from the 1st team although he did feature as a sub in the cup game against Hull. He ended up on loan at Derry and scored a few goals there. Believe he is out of contract and will leave.

Reon Potts scored a fair few goals for the u18’s but has struggled to play much for the u23’s.

Zak Brunt was a player that drew a lot of media interest as he had played or a number of clubs as a young protégé but then was stuck at Derby until he ended up getting out of his Academy contract to sign for Matlock. United feel there is still some potential there and he looked ok in some games I saw if a little slight.


Next season

If Clarke moves on then we are left with Sharp and McGoldrick. The loanees will return and not sure they will be back and Washington and Lavery have been released. Expect Evans to move on also and has been listed. We will need to sign 2; maybe 3 signings. We only would have youngsters Smith and Greaves outside of those two senior players. I expect both Sharp and McGoldrick to play a fair bit and the latter even more so. Bill will get games but I doubt he will be a regular. We need pace, athleticism and physical talent in these areas. We will have to spend a lot of money. I like the lad McBurnie and think he works hard, decent in the air and is technically decent -he might be the one I would pursue. Think he might be cheaper than a Maupay who is more of a Sharp type I feel. We will definitely need some pace for the different way we play and a physical better version of Madine who can come in and knock people about. I would not be shocked if this is the area, we break out transfer record.


Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires)

Forwards

Conor Washington Out of contract (2019) - released
Caolan Lavery Out of contract (2019) - released
Oliver Greaves Out of contract (2019)
Simeon Oure Out of contract (2019)
David Parkhouse Out of contract (2019)
Tyler Smith 1 year (2020)
Ched Evans 1 year (2020) – transfer listed
Leon Clarke 1 year (2020) – transfer listed
Billy Sharp 2 years (2021)