Former Manchester United and Liverpool captain Paul Ince has highlighted the decision to sign Rhian Brewster for £24m in the summer as a key error that has contributed to Sheffield United struggling this season.

The club record fee was a huge gamble that has not paid off so far, with the 21-year-old having failed to score in 25 appearances for the Blades this season. Ince feels that without a striker putting away chances, it is left the team in a difficult position:

“When you are a team like Sheffield United, who aren’t getting enough chances. And then when they get the (few) chances, then you have to take them. They purchased Brewster for £24 million, it’s not really worked out. Has it? So, that’s been a disappointment, that’s for sure.”

It is certainly true that Brewster’s move has not worked out. However, that could change next season when United are playing in the Championship. The England Under 21 international has already had success at that level, having scored 11 goals in a loan spell with Swansea.

The transfer may, therefore, be successful in the long term, but as Ince points out, it has also effectively hastened their relegation from the top flight.