Analysis: Why Sheffield United Struggled in the 2020–21 Premier League Season
Sheffield United took the Premier League by storm in their first year back after a long hiatus, defying expectations with disciplined tactics and innovative play. Under manager Chris Wilder, they earned a top-half finish and boasted one of the stingiest defenses in England. Just a season later, however, the club found itself entrenched at the bottom of the standings, heading towards a historically low point tally. This analysis explores the tactical, personnel, and strategic factors behind their rapid downturn in the 2020–21 campaign.
Tactical Approach and Key Players
Sheffield United relied heavily on a 3-5-2 formation, a system that provided both defensive solidity and attacking unpredictability during their previous campaign. Aaron Ramsdale replaced Dean Henderson in goal but struggled to match his predecessor’s shot-stopping ability. On the flanks, wing-backs George Baldock and Enda Stevens retained their roles but experienced a drop in both attacking and defensive effectiveness. Neither their overlapping runs nor their delivery from wide positions reached prior standards.
The back three consisted mainly of Jack Robinson, John Egan, and Craig Basham. Robinson filled the void left by Jack O’Connell, whose injury profoundly weakened the left side of defense and disrupted the team’s signature overlapping center-back rotations. In midfield, Ethan Ampadu often featured as a defensive shield, while Sander Berge and John Lundstram rotated alongside him with John Fleck and Oliver Norwood making sporadic appearances. Up front, a lack of consistent finishing plagued the campaign: David McGoldrick led the scoring charts with just four goals, while newer arrivals such as Oliver Burke and Rhian Brewster failed to adapt to the Premier League pace.
Despite occasional shifts to a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 setup to ignite creativity, these adjustments produced limited results, highlighting the rigidity and limitations of the squad within its established tactical identity.
Attacking Shortcomings and Creative Deficiencies
Goal-scoring issues were evident from the season’s outset. Sheffield United, previously the lowest-scoring top-ten team, saw their numbers plummet further, revealing shortcomings in both creativity and finishing. The wing-backs, who once provided crucial width and support, saw their output drop to record lows, while advanced midfield runners like John Lundstram and John Fleck made fewer forward incursions.
The Blades’ attacking patterns became increasingly predictable, with an overdependence on long passes to target forward Oliver McBurnie. Despite engaging in a league-high average of 12.8 aerial duels per match, McBurnie’s 54% success rate indicated that this strategy resulted in frequent turnovers. Compared to their previous campaign, shots per game dropped from 9.3 to 8.4, and goals per game fell by more than half. Half of Sheffield’s goals were attributed to McGoldrick, and many originated from set pieces or penalties, highlighting a lack of fluid, open play attacks.
Possession Struggles and Build-Up Play Issues
Sheffield United also experienced pronounced difficulties retaining and progressing possession. Previously, Oliver Norwood had anchored midfield with composure and distribution. The replacement of Norwood with the more defensive Ampadu compromised central control and significantly weakened attacking transitions.
The team became overly reliant on right-sided play, while the left flank—previously energized by O’Connell’s overlapping—became ineffective. Crosses per game fell from 23 to 19, signaling a tactical shift that limited their traditional wing play and deprived the midfield of opportunities to support attacks with late runs into the box. Fullbacks found themselves pinned deeper in their own half, further reducing attacking options and making the side more predictable for opponents to defend against.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and Personnel Losses
What separated the 2019–20 Sheffield United from many Premier League also-rans was their defensive resilience. However, the departure of Dean Henderson and a long-term injury to Jack O’Connell deprived the squad of two essential figures. Aaron Ramsdale, although capable, failed to consistently protect the goal at the level Henderson had, while O’Connell’s absence disrupted the unit’s balance and blunted the creative impact of Enda Stevens, often forced to deputize in central defense.
Adding to the woes, the once-reliable defensive block struggled to restrict opposition incursions. Sheffield United began conceding more passes into their penalty area, leading to a sharp increase in goals conceded per game—from 1.03 in their previous campaign to 1.7. The lack of defensive solidarity was exacerbated by fewer midfield contributions, as players like Fleck and Lundstram ventured forward less, leading to diminished possession in advanced positions.
Potential Solutions: Tactical Tweaks and Squad Reinforcement
As the 3-5-2 system ceased to deliver results, a change in formation appeared necessary. Transitioning to a back four could release more midfield players to influence possession and support attacks. A 4-4-2 diamond would leverage Sheffield’s lack of natural wingers and allow midfielders such as Norwood, Fleck, and Lundstram to play more advanced roles, recreating the vertical thrust that defined the previous campaign. This setup would also provide the front pairing with closer support and facilitate more dynamic spells of possession.
With limited resources and the club unlikely to attract high-profile players in the midst of a relegation battle, seeking creative solutions within the current squad is critical. Loan acquisitions might provide temporary relief, but sustainable improvement would require tactical flexibility and internal development.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s dramatic decline in 2020–21 can be traced to a complex mix of tactical inflexibility, loss of key personnel, creativity deficits, and a deteriorated defensive structure. Unable to recapture the form that made them Premier League darlings just a season earlier, the club faced mounting challenges at both ends of the pitch. While transfer market opportunities appear slim, a renewed tactical approach and re-energized squad mentality could salvage pride and lay foundations for the future. Addressing these core issues is essential for returning to their competitive best, regardless of the division they compete in next season.
