The Blades have signed exciting striker Danny Cadamateri from Leeds United for £50,000. The 24-year-old started his career with Everton before moving onto Bradford and then Leeds on a free transfer after falling out of contract at Bradford City. The striker found it hard to establish himself in Kevin Blackwell's plans, although he played in Leeds 1-0 League Cup win over Swindon Town last week when he came on for the last twenty minutes. Speaking about the signing Neil Warnock said: "Danny is a very positive player. He is direct, strong and I like all his aspects. I first made an enquiry for him when he was at Everton but they wanted too much.” He Added: "I know he has been thwarted with injuries but he's been fit all summer and I'm optimistic that he will be a good addition to our squad. He is determined to play first team football and glad to get him on board. I'm still looking for a big lad and I've made one or two enquiries, but we needed someone before the weekend.”
United have signed 23 year-old defender Emanuele Gabrieli after a month-long trial at the club. Gabrieli is a free agent since the end of its contract with Italian club Cavese last June.The defender has also played for Chieti and Avezzano. Gabrieli has agreed a contract with the Blades until the end of January. Neil Warnock commented: "He's worth a look at for a couple of months. We've had him on trial for a month and he's done well". Gabrieli is expected to be named in the Blades' squad to travel to Brighton at the weekend.
Neil Warnock blasted match officials after both sides had a man sent off during the Blades 1-0 win over Sunderland. Paul Shaw scored United's winner but his exploits were overshadowed by the double sending off of Andy Gray and Sunderland captain Gary Breen for violent conduct. Warnock commenting said: "We shouldn't be talking about the referee because it's got nothing to do with him, It's what he's been told by the reserve official who was brought in at late notice." Warnock confirmed the club would be appealing against Gray's dismissal, who now faces a three match ban.
Sent-Off: Gray 38.
The Blades ended their poor run of form by displaying the sort of ability that, for many, had made them one of the clubs expected to challenge for promotion this season. However, the actions of referee Mike Dean provided as big a talking point as the deserved victory for Neil Warnock's team. Andy Gray for United and Gary Breen for Sunderland were both dismissed for 'violent conduct' eight minutes before the interval after Dean had consulted one of his assistants. Aside from a long-range effort from Jeff Whitley the Blades goal was not threatened in the first half whereas Sunderland's goalkeeper Mart Poom stood between his side and a heavy defeat. Despite the increased space created by the two dismissals, both managers chose a conservative approach by playing one striker and retaining a back four in the second half. As early as the second minute United were on the offensive, a cross from winger Tommy Black caught Suinderland cold before Estonian keeper Poom rescued the Black Cats. A minute later and Gray shot just past of Poom's post. Sunderland’s only effort of the half came on 11 minutes when midfielder Whitley's 20-yard shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. After 23 minutes, Paul Shaw’s 25 yard curling effort again tested the busy Poom who palmed the ball over. From the resulting corner Sunderland defender George McCartney cleared over his own crossbar. Chris Morgan hobbled off on the half hour holding his hamstring with Alan Wright replacing the Blades defender. On 38 minutes, the linesman at the Kop end was flagging furiously, this resulted in the referee stopping the match and running over to his assistant for a chat. No one on the Kop could understand what the stoppage was for. But after a word with his linesman the referee sent-off Gray and Breen. Apparently it was for 'violent conduct' although it seemed that both players were just challenging for the ball. In first-half injury time a superb 25 yard strike from Jon Harley again tested the beleaguered Poom. The second half began where the first had finished with United still in control of the game. After 60 minutes, after good work from Michael Tonge and Wright, Blades midfielder Alan Quinn fired in again forcing another save from Poom. With the fans calling for Jonathan Forte on the Kop, the Blades manager brought on the pacey forward after 64 minutes. Three minutes later the Blades got their deserved winner. Sunderland’s Steve Caldwell failed to read Whitley’s headed back-pass and Shaw was the first to react, firing a right-foot shot under Poom. Forte could have doubled the lead in the 81st minute when he fired against the outside of the post after outpacing Sunderland defender Mark Lynch. The Blades had dominated throughout and Mick McCarthy's men had registered just two shots on target in the entire game. It is a win and puts United into 11th position in the Championship.
The Blades had to settle for a point after Tommy Black's first goal on his full debut cancelled out Andy Morrell's opener. The on-loan Blades winger headed home Michael Tonge's cross midway through the first half after Morrell had earlier put the Sky Blues in front. United almost made the perfect start when defender Chris Morgan charged up field in the second minute but saw his header come back off the woodwork. Blades midfielder Alan Quinn threatened soon after with his right-foot shot from 25 yards whistled over. But it was Coventry who made the breakthrough. Michael Doyle's miss-hit shot flew to the unmarked Morrell in the penalty area and the striker headed beyond goalkeeper Paddy Kenny into his bottom right-hand corner. Stern John fired a shot wide from the edge of the area for the Sky Blues, while Morgan sent another header over the crossbar at the other end. The Blades hit back to level after half an hour; Coventry goalkeeper Luke Steele was caught flat-footed when Black powered home Tonge's fine cross from the left. Kenny was alert enough soon after to hold Morrell's stinging drive from outside the area and then John's right-footer from closer in as the action swung from end to end. Andy Gray went closest to breaking the deadlock after the restart, his 20-yard effort held by Steele before steering the ball wide from close range. Tonge rifled a 25-yard free-kick over the bar; Black tested Steele again with a left-footer from the edge of the box and followed up with another long-range effort as United created the better chances. Paul Shaw's goalbound left-footer from the edge of the area was well-saved by Steele, while a right-foot effort from 18 yards flashed wide. Steele then denied Tonge's header from Black's cross as the Blades pegged Coventry back. Coventry substitute Patrick Suffo almost snatched a late winner when his header was saved by Kenny but neither side made the breakthrough. The Blades should have won today, but considering the number of injuries United have, a draw should be greeted as an acceptable result.
The Blades twice came from behind tonight to book their place in the third round of the League Cup. Within seconds of the kick-off Andy Gray had a shot saved by Wrexham goalkeeper Matt Baker. Wrexham than had a chance; a high central ball found Hector Sam who put his attempt high over the United crossbar. Wrexham’s Alex Smith got on the end of an Andy Holt cross from the left, but he was always stretching and his low shot hit the side of the Blades net. The Dragons (as Wrexham are known) were having the better of the early stages and eventually scored. From a Darren Ferguson corner, defender Craig Morgan rose at the near post to head powerfully past a Paddy Kenny. After 21 minutes United got an equaliser. From a long Kenny kick downfield, Gray headed on to Jonathon Forte, and he immediately passed back to the Blades striker whose fierce strike deflected of Brian Carey and past Baker. United's Chris Morgan was then unlucky when his header struck the bottom of the Wrexham post after an enormous throw-in from defender Leigh Bromby. Moments later, Phil Jagielka – looking impressive for the Blades tonight – just missed out when his header was cleared of the Wrexham goal line. The Blades went close again when Morgan’s header just went over, skimming the crossbar. United should have been ahead at this stage, but were served a blow on the stroke of half-time. Wrexham broke up field, Dean Bennett found striker Chris Llewellyn who burst through the Blades defence and neatly slipped the ball under the advancing Kenny to give the Wrexham the lead at the interval. Wrexham started the second half with an early chance, a long ball by midfielder Bennett found Sam, but the Trinidad & Tobago striker was thwarted as Jagielka made a superbly timed tackle to save the Blades. This was followed by a cross from Alex Smith and Llewellyn headed over. United got their equaliser on 54 minutes, A free-kick by Tommy Black on the right was met by Jagielka who scored one of the easiest free headers you will ever see, the defender completely unchallenged, stood stationary and headed the ball in the top right corner of the net. But the best was yet to come. After 68 minutes, a comic cut mix-up on the Wrexham right ensued when goalkeeper Baker come charging out of his area and collided with Carey, the ball popped for Alan Quinn which allowed him to run in on goal which was guarded only by Wrexham’s Morgan. Quinn’s initial shot was handled on the goal line by Morgan, the rebound bounced out to Gray who made no mistake from close range. Morgan was then spoken to by the referee - who had played a good advantage after the hand ball, and with everyone expecting a red card, produced a yellow card for the Wrexham player. There was a late flurry by the home team was not enough, and United held on for victory. The Blades deserved the victory tonight and can now look forward to the third round.
Neil Warnock has recalled Paul Shaw from his loan spell at Rotherham United in time for tomorrows League Cup match at Wrexham. The Blades boss took the decision after learning that Ashley Ward and Jack Lester are both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines. Both men limped off in the defeat at Wigan Athletic, and according to early reports could be out for several weeks.
The Blades went down to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic today. United’s increasingly shaky defence gave the Latics an incredible spell of scoring with three goals in six minutes during the first half. To the shock of the travelling Blades fans, Neil Warnock had dropped striker Andy Gray to the bench, and he was replaced with Jack Lester. United were also without midfielder Michael Tonge and Andy Liddell who were both ruled out with injury. The match started explosively when Lester ran through to chase the ball, but Latics goalkeeper John Filan caught it first and clattered into Lester. The Blades showed the most pressure within the first ten minutes and it might have paid if striker Ashley Ward had showed more conviction with his shot in the eighth minute. The Latics were under pressure again the 16th minute when central defender Matt Jackson fouled Lester just outside of the penalty box. Jon Harley took the free kick, and the ball was only inches over the bar at the near post. Wigan took the lead in the on the half-hour mark when Blades defender Phil Jagielka made an error as his poor clearance landed in the right spot for striker Nathan Ellington, who controled the ball well before firing the ball home with a low shot from outside the box, putting the ball inside goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's far post. The 'Duke' as he is known to the Latics’ fans took his goal well, but Blades boss Warnock must have been be furious at yet another defensive lapse. The Blades defence seemed to collapse as just three minutes later; Jason Roberts doubled the lead for the Latics. Defender Nicky Eaden started the move by passing the ball to Ellington, whose cross was accurate enough to find powerful strike partner Jason Roberts after a mistake by Leigh Bromby; tapped home from six yards past the helpless Kenny. Incredibly even worse was to follow as straight from the kick-off, Per Frandsen’s long ball sent Ellington on his way; charging past Jagielka who sliped as he was caught wrong footed and then shooting before Alan Wright could get a challenge in, to give Wigan a 3-0 lead. It was an incredible spell that seen the Latics’ score three goals in six minutes. It was also a sickening blow for the Blades fans that had made the journey and had got right behind the players from the start. With his side having a huge three goal deficit, Warnock brought on loan signing Tommy Black for midfielder Nick Montgomery and Jonathon Forte for Lester. Paddy Kenny was called into action again in the 55th minute when Scottish winger Lee McCulloch, drifted in from the left flank, and hit a clean volley from 25 yards that forced Kenny to parry the ball away to safety. Despite their team being 3-0 down, and to their credit, the Blades supporters were still in full voice, desperately hoping for a revival like the one seen at the Walker Stadium last week. Ellington caused concern in the Blades defence again, when he cut in from the right flank and unleashed a lethal shot with his left foot. The ball appeared to be heading for the roof of the net, but Kenny caught the ball. After 62 minutes, Andy Gray replaced Ward after the striker pulled up with an injury. Wigan replaced Dutchman Frandsen with Alan Mahon after a 67th minute injury. The Blades almost looked as if they had settled just to play for pride as the second half wore on, but did have a chance in the 71st minute. Jackson conceded a free-kick and Black's free kick from 20 yards found the head of Forte, but the pacey striker headed straight at aussie keeper Filan. But just moments later at the other end of the pitch saw substitute Mahon's low drive from the edge of the box well saved by Kenny. In the last stages of the match the Latics’ made two more substitutions with David Wright replacing McCulloch and Jackson making way for Emerson Thome. In the final minute of the match, Wigan rounded of a miserable afternoon for the Unitedites as Roberts collected the ball from just inside the Blades half and ran past Paul Thirlwell and cutting inside past Jagielka and Wright before coolly adding his second goal of the afternoon as United’s defence put in half-hearted challenges. Roberts rounded Kenny and placed the ball into the empty net from close range. If it had not been for the sloppy mistakes in the Blades defence, this game could have been a lot closer. United are now in 16th position in The Championship.
The Blades have signed Tommy Black on an initial one month loan from Crystal Palace. The 24 year old will be available for United’s match this weekend against Wigan Athletic. Versatility is one of Black’s key assets and he can play up front, in midfield or on both wings. Black loves to run at defenders and his trickery is a real problem for whoever has the misfortune of trying to mark him. He joined The Eagles' in 2000 and has started 67 league games whilst coming on from the bench in 59 matches. Neil Warnock commenting about the signing said: "It wasn't until late on Thursday night that Palace finally agreed to let us have him for a month. We've only taken him on the assumption that he can play in the cup on Tuesday. We are delighted to have him in the squad at a time when it is decimated by injury, especially with Andy Liddell not being available for another three weeks. I've been after Tommy on a few occasions previously; he is a direct wide player, who can play in a few positions".
Neil Warnock is backing his players' to come good at the weekend when they travel to Wigan Athletic. Warnock criticised his side afterwards for giving Leicester City a three lead but then hailed his players' strength of character and determination after they stormed back before finally losing out 3-2 at the Walkers Stadium. Commenting about what he told his players after the match; he said: "I told them if we defend like that at Wigan we'll probably end up losing by double figures. If we keep defending like we have been doing we'll lose more games than we win although there are things we can work on in training to eliminate those mistakes. And knowing my lot, I wouldn't put it past them to go to Wigan and win because despite going three down at Leicester, we kept going and showed what we can do."
The Blades committed suicide tonight in giving away three goals before a doomed late fightback at The Walkers Stadium. United had been unbeaten on their travels this season but goals from Jamie Scowcroft, Nikos Dabizas and Jason Wilcox soon put paid to that statistic. The Foxes took the lead as early as the eighth minute of the contest through their first attack of the game. A long ball from goalkeeper Kevin Pressman found Dion Dublin who nodded into the path of Scowcroft and the striker guided his shot into the far corner of the advancing Paddy Kenny's goal. The Blades had to wait until the 19th minute to register their first attempt on goal. Andy Gray’s deep cross from the left found Nick Montgomery unmarked at the far post, but the midfielder was only able to find the side netting with his well struck volley. Not only had the first goal given the Foxes the lead, it was also the first they had scored at home this season, and the Leicester fans’ didn’t have to wait long for their second goal. Greek defender Dabizas heading Jordan Stewart's in-swinging corner against the underside of the crossbar and a keen-eyed linesman ruling that the ball had bounced down behind the goal-line before it was hacked clear. On 52 minutes, Wilcox was on hand to make it 3-0 for Leicester. Jagielka failed to clear a Scowcroft centre, and Wilcox lurking to blast the ball into the empty Blades goal from close range. The hosts had not overly concerned themselves with passing the ball in the build-up to their goals. Indeed, it was in fact just really poor defending which had given the Foxes their three goal advantage. Yet the Blades, to their credit and as is only to be expected from a team managed by Neil Warnock, refused to submit and fought back. Warnock replaced Andy Gray with Jack Lester to spruce up United’s attack with 27 minutes remaining, and it didn't take him long to get in amongst the action. Picking up the ball on the edge of the penalty area Lester clipped in a curling shot, but his effort drifted just wide of Pressman's right-hand upright. The Blades finally pulled a goal back in the 75th minute. Chris Morgan reduced the deficit by nodding home a prodigious throw-in from Leigh Bromby before Jonathan Forte set up a tense finale when he slid home a second. Five minutes of stoppage-time served only to add to the drama as the Blades put Pressman's goal under a massive siege. But despite all the late Blades pressure it was the City defence that would hold firm to condemn United to their second successive defeat.
Neil Warnock is likely to name an unchanged side for the match at The Walkers Stadium. The only doubt is Michael Tonge who was substituted at half-time in the match with West Ham with a twisted ankle. Should Tonge be unfit Nick Montgomery or Jack Lester could replace him. Kevan Hurst has been added to the Blades squad. Leicester goalkeeper Ian Walker is out with a knee injury, so Kevin Pressman should play. Defenders Matt Heath and Matt Elliott are unavailable. Lee Morris will miss the match against his former club. Midfielder Danny Tiatto is back from a hamstring injury.
Teddy Sheringham scored his fifth goal of the season late on to earn West Ham a win against an in-form Blades. Marlon Harewood opened the scoring with a long-range strike early on, but Alan Quinn levelled with a free-kick for the Blades in the second half. The Blades fell behind after just nine minutes as Hammers striker Harewood sent in a wind-assisted 25-yard effort which flew into the top right-hand corner in front of the Blades Kop. After 13 minutes, Michael Tonge went down with a lengthy ankle injury. The Blades were then tested when Sheringham fired in with a smart volley effort forcing a save from goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. On 33 minutes and after a foul by Carl Fletcher; there ensued a massive scuffle which saw Ashley Ward and Nigel Reo-Coker booked. Jon Harley sent his curling the free-kick wide of the post. The Blades Leigh Bromby had to be alert to block midfielder Mathew Etherington's shot. Defender Calum Davenport who was on loan with the Hammers found himself busy clearing three crosses as the half drew to a close, while Blades midfielder Alan Quinn fired wide from 25 yards just before the whistle sounded. As the teams emerged for the second half the Blades were without Tonge who had picked up an injury in the first half. Jack Lester was his replacement and he went into the attacking line alongside Ward with Andy Gray switching to the left side. Adam Nowland replaced Luke Chadwick for the Hammers midway through a second half with Reo-Coker going to right midfield and Nowland taking up a central position. The Blades started the second half meaning business and were starting to put the West Ham goal under sustained pressure which eventually brought dividends after 65 minutes. Fletcher conceded a foul on midfielder Paul Thirlwell, and from the free-kick Quinn's cross floated over goalkeeper Steve Bywater in a crowded box and into the net. Shortly afterwards Hammers Manager Alan Pardew took off Harewood and replaced him with Sergei Rebrov. The game was virtually all being played in the West Ham half now, but the Hammers were still dangerous on the counter-attack. In the end it was yet another free-kick which was to rob the Blades of a point. Quinn fouled Fletcher 20 yards out, and Sheringham's low, hard free-kick took a deflection on its way beyond Kenny five minutes from the end. Substitute Lester should have earned the Blades a point a minute from time in a massive melee in the Hammers six yard box, but he fired wide from close range as West Ham held on. It was clear to see today, that both these teams will be at the top end of the table come next May. Indeed, The Blades can count themselves unlucky not to get at least a point from this entertaining encounter at the Lane.
Andy Gray, Paddy Kenny and Alan Quinn are expected to feature for the Blades after international call-ups. United's only change from the victory at QPR is expected to be Simon Francis who has been ruled out with a knee ligament problem. Andy Liddell has missed the last four games with a thigh strain and now is nearing full fitness, although tomorrows match against West Ham is expected to come too soon for him to return. Rob Kozluk (foot) and Steven Kabba (knee) are still injured. West Ham’s new signing; defender Malky Mackay could make his debut for the club after his transfer from Norwich City. The Hammer’s new loan signing Calum Davenport could go straight into the side to cover for Anton Ferdinand, who injured a leg playing for England U21s in Poland. Carl Fletcher could also make his debut after his move from Bournemouth. West Ham will be without skipper Christian Dailly, who has been ruled out for a couple of months with a knee operation. Don Hutchison is also on the injured list. Chris Cohen is currently suspended.
Neil Warnock has confirmed his interest in the Wigan Athletic's Ian Breckin. The former Chesterfield captain has made over 200 league appearances and can play in either central defence or right-back. Warnock is searching for a central defender although any deal is unlikely to happen in the short-term. Commenting about the Latic's defender he said: "Ian is one of a number of players we've made enquiries about. The player Wigan were going to bring in, Andy Todd, is injured again, Emerson Thome, who they signed, is not quite match fit and Ian's playing ever so well, so there's no way they'll let him go at this moment in time. If anything, it will have to be in a few more weeks."
Manager Neil Warnock says he will be keeping himself busy during the international weekend by scouting for new player’s. His primary targets will be a centre back as cover for Chris Morgan or a forward to replace Barry Hayles who was transferred to Millwall last week. The Blades next match is at home to West Ham on the 11th September, so with no match this weekend he is spending his time on the lookout for fresh talent. Commenting he said: "A manager's job is never done. I will be taking in a few games."
Neil Warnock believes United can get even better after the 1-0 win at Queens Park Rangers. Andy Gray settled the game with a 17th-minute header, and the Blades held on bravely for a third straight victory. Warnock commented: "I'm proud of them. QPR would have beaten most teams. They were flying and buzzing, and will be disappointed, but we were disciplined and well-organised, and for all their play I didn't think they had a real opportunity. I think we could have finished the game off with a second goal but because we didn't we were holding on. We can get a lot better. I'm glad we've got nearly two weeks off because we've got some knocks in the squad."