When Chris Wilder meets with Sheffield United’s new head of recruitment to finalize the club’s transfer strategy for the upcoming summer, players will be evaluated based on four key criteria. These include their tactical adaptability and intelligence, technical proficiency in handling the ball, mental attributes such as character and capability to cope with the challenges of contributing to the Blades’ significant rebuilding process.

A crucial and potentially paramount consideration this summer will be assessing the players’ physical attributes. Since returning to Bramall Lane in December, Wilder has pinpointed the physical condition of the Blades squad as a major concern, not only in terms of injuries, which have already had a well-documented impact on an already thinly stretched squad.

Bogle’s comments regarding his future at United prior to a significant summer overhaul.

A major concern for United recently has been the high number of players unable to finish matches lasting 90 minutes, in addition to the considerable amount of injury time added on. United have already played the equivalent of 35 full 90-minute matches this season, including extra time, with seven more matches remaining in the 38-game Premier League season.

Addressing this matter has been particularly challenging in the midst of the season, especially during weeks like the previous one, when United had to play three times within eight days and adequate rest and recovery were crucial. However, those who remain at Bramall Lane for the next season, with potentially up to 18 players departing as it currently stands, should anticipate a demanding pre-season. Meanwhile, United, who recently appointed former player and coach Jamie Hoyland as chief scout, will be actively seeking physically capable players in the market.

“It’s more about availability than ability for me in some respects,” acknowledged Wilder. “I need to assess all the players and determine if they can sustain a full 38 or 46-game season. This is a crucial consideration. From a financial standpoint, if we are investing a certain amount in a player who is only available for half of the games, we are not truly maximizing the value of that player.

“Availability for training holds equal significance as it enables us to work on essential aspects like unit tactics, individual skills, and team cohesion. When players are unavailable, our ability to progress and improve on the training field is hindered. When people inquire about our weekly activities, I might have to explain that some players couldn’t train until Friday due to various reasons, like modifications for past injuries, or extended recovery periods for others on their second, third, or fourth day post-match.