Ipswich Town and Sheffield United are two clubs experiencing a special time in the football calendar. One thing is for sure—both clubs want to put this slide behind them. Ipswich, under Kieran McKenna, have yet to find the groove that has often come to characterize his sides. In contrast là Sheffield United, under new manager Ruben Selles, failed to register a single point after six games. After big money signings by both clubs in the summer transfer window, each fanbase will be looking for their new signings to provide a spark.
Ipswich Town recently signed several players, including Japhet Tanganga from Millwall for an undisclosed fee and Nils Zatterstrom from Malmo for £2.8 million. They also signed Luton Town’s Tahith Chong and Chelsea’s Alex Matos, both on undisclosed fees. Ipswich had suffered a run of terrible luck, losing players to injury, childbirth and other misfortunes. They sold Liam Delap to Chelsea for £30 million and Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord for £15.6 million. Furthermore, they added Djibril Soumaré on loan from Braga with an obligation to buy.
Sheffield United made moves to bolster their squad with notable signings such as Danny Ings and Ben Mee on free transfers. They picked up Louie Barry on loan from Aston Villa along with Chiedozie Ogbene on loan from Ipswich. Yet the club was hampered again by the loss of Vinicius Souza to Wolfsburg for £13 million.
Ipswich Town’s Underwhelming Start
Ipswich’s activity in the summer window made everybody sit up and take notice. Finding that fluid, attacking and free-flowing form that’s been the calling card of McKenna’s short coaching career so far has proven elusive for this group. Jobi McAnuff was downcast after watching that display from Ipswich so far this season.
“Ipswich have been really underwhelming, if I am honest. I expected a lot more from them given the squad they have.” – Jobi McAnuff
Players such as Japhet Tanganga have impressed, but it hasn’t been enough to ensure strong performances week in and week out. As City AM’s Andy Hinchcliffe noted, without Tanganga’s impact in defence, Spurs would likely have been in a worse position.
“If not for Japhet Tanganga, they would have lost four or five against Middlesbrough.” – Andy Hinchcliffe
The loss of key player and captain Sam Morsy to a transfer has played a part in their current woes. Hinchcliffe appreciated the difference Morsy made to the midfield balance.
“It was not just the way he played, but the demands he placed on the players around him. He gave others the freedom to play while making sure the team functioned. When he left, Ipswich knew he would leave a huge hole.” – Andy Hinchcliffe
Even with these issues, there is still optimism that the squad’s depth will come in useful as the season continues.
“When the season gets tough, depth will be crucial. Ipswich have players on the bench who can strengthen the team significantly.” – Unnamed source
Sheffield United’s Struggles Under New Management
Sheffield United’s season has been marked by disappointment as they aim to rebound under Selles’s leadership. With zero points to their name so far this season, the club is clearly headed in the wrong direction.
Andy Hinchcliffe remarked that when the club was under previous stewardship, Sheffield United don’t lose a run of games like this.
“Under Wilder there is no way they would have lost five in a row.” – Andy Hinchcliffe
With previous key signings like Anel Ahmedhodzic leaving, this has made it difficult for the squad. The team’s failure to adequately replace such talent has been on full display in their performances.
Sheffield United learning to play with their new signings, Ings and Mee. Fans and pundits alike are optimistic these changes will lead to improved performance. The spotlight is already starting to shine harshly on Selles as he’s already dealing with an uphill battle of a start.
Future Prospects for Both Clubs
Looking forward, the future of Ipswich Town and Sheffield United will hinge on the next few games. Ipswich’s expensive new signings will need to gel fast if they want to develop results that live up to their promise.
Sheffield United must start doing a better job of turning half-chances into points. The true test will come in depth of squad, as they look to establish some much-needed continuity with Selles’s stewardship.
Although both clubs have suffered losses and adversity in recent months, both are ideally positioned to make her hopeful vision a reality. They know that winning football games is about operating as a unit and having the agility to pivot on a dime when the situation demands it.
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