OPINION
Losing Billy Sharp to injury was always going to be a problem for Sheffield United. The veteran striker has been at heart of so much good for them this season, and has netted 24 in all competitions so far. Not having that source of goals would damage any side, but where the Blades are concerned, it means so much more than just losing a finisher. Without Sharp, they have to alter the entire way that they function. This was patently clear in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday lunchtime, when they opted to start with Gary Madine up top alongside David McGoldrick. Gone was the slick, passing football that fans have become accustomed to this season, and instead, in came a a brand of route one hoof-ball designed exclusively to disrupt their visitors. The thing is, when this kind of football comes off, nobody complains. But when it goes even the slightest bit wrong, it can give the impression of a side bereft of ideas in the attacking third. For most of the first half in particular, this was the case for the Blades and Madine, as he struggled to have the desired effect. Even when he was winning things in the air, it really wasn’t working for him as he lacked any kind of support around him. Route one does not suit United.
This is Futbol have gathered some of the best tweets below:
This!!! Because pumping it long to Madine at the moment isn’t working. https://t.co/wX3MQd76ZH
— ???? (@daneshaw8) April 19, 2019
I get the allure of Madine but since when did hoofball get us to top 3 in the Championship ?
— Jamie (@jamieg0ugh) April 19, 2019
Madine has got to anticipate these drop downs. Billy would’ve had a field day already today. COME ON BOYS!!!!!! ????? #sufc #twitterblades
— samjohnson77 (@samjohnson77) April 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/b_sufc/status/1119213331875803137
With madine on pitch, we’re always just gonna pump.. better to come on as a impact.
— Barney (@fullback_barney) April 19, 2019
Playing far to long , madine ? im not convinced id get hogan on
— tony-1889? (@blademen77) April 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/cbtonr/status/1119216114272223232