So far, the Blades boss has bolstered his ranks by bringing in AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, Derby defensive pair Max Lowe and Jayden Bogle, midfielder Ethan Ampadu on loan from Chelsea and attacker Oli Burke from West Bromwich Albion as United look to better last season’s ninth place finish in their first campaign back in the Premier League after a 12-year absence.
But which players from the 80s would Blades fans want in today’s squad?
That’s the question we asked on social media this week and this is what United fans said.
1. Brian Deane
United bought 'Deano' from Doncaster Rovers for just £25,000 in 1988 . . . and the rest as they say is history. Deane went onto play for England and is one of the club's greatest-ever goalscorers, with his place in United folklore firmly assured. He also made football history by becoming the first scorer in the Premier League when the Blades defeated Manchester United 2-1 at Bramall Lane in August 1992. Nominating him on Twitter, Original United wrote: "Brian Deane. He had everything as a striker, pace, power, height, touch and a finisher of all types of goals. Just what we need now." Photo: Peter Tuffrey
2. Keith Edwards
Edwards enjoyed two spells at United and is fiercely proud of his goal record at the club, netting 171 in 293 appearances for the club - including an impressive 114 in 191 games for the Blades between 1981 and 1986. On Twitter, United supporter El Diablo said: "Keith Edwards had a knack of looking like he didn’t want to know for 80 minutes, then for 10 or 12 minutes or so he could score when he wanted. (He had a) grinning face (and) put himself in all the right places. Saw him go round (Everton goalkeeper) Nev Southall in the Milk Cup!! Awesome." Photo: JPI Media
3. Bob Hatton
Hatton struck up a successful strike partnership with Keith Edwards and was one of the main reasons why United achieved promotion back up from the Fourth Division at the first attempt in the 1981/82 season. He spent two seasons at the Lane and found the back of the net a creditable 34 times in 95 appearances for United. Photo: JPI Media
4. Chris Wilder
A man who needs no introduction as he continues to receive plaudits for his work at the Lane after steering United to two promotions and a ninth place finish in the Premier League since returning to his beloved Blades as manager in 2016. As a player, Wilder made his name as a right back and was part of the United squad which won successive promotions under Dave Bassett which took them from Division Three to Division One between 1988 and 1990. He made 105 appearances across two spells for the Bramall Lane outfit. Photo: Dennis Lound