Sheffield United: Simon Moore can do the job against Manchester United
But Simon Moore, who is expected to start Sunday's meeting with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, is well-versed in the art of coping with periods of inactivity and producing solid performances.
Moore, a veteran of Sheffield United's 2017 League One title winning squad, is poised to deputise for Dean Henderson this weekend with Premier League rules prohibiting the on-loan 22-year-old from facing his parent club.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlthough Michael Verrips, a summer signing from KV Mechelen could enter Chris Wilder's thinking, the United manager looks set to task Moore with the job of keeping the visitors' attack at bay and ensuring his squad maintains its reputation for defensive excellence. United's rearguard has only been breached twice in the club's five outings since leaders Liverpool triumphed 1-0 at Bramall Lane in September.
Despite helping his employers win the first of their two promotions under Wilder's stewardship, Moore has made only 23 appearances since the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign with first Jamal Blackman and then Henderson agreeing temporary moves to South Yorkshire. However, although a combination of injuries and suspension often rendered Blackman unavailable for selection, Henderson has proved almost impossible for Moore to shift. Indeed, he has been limited to EFL and FA Cup action following the 22-year-old's arrival. Although United have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of those matches, Moore did save a penalty during August's victory over Blackburn Rovers.