Sheffield United backed to keep "exciting prospect" at Bramall Lane now | OneFootball

FLW’s Blades fan pundit has U-turned on the young forward’s future

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

There is a growing sense of anticipation among Sheffield United supporters about Ryan Oné.

The Scotland U21 international has been one of the standout performers of pre-season, scoring a brace in a 6-2 win over York City and two more goals against Rotherham United and Burton Albion, and is showing signs that he’s ready to take the next step.

Born in 2006, Oné made the bench for half of the Blades’ Championship fixtures in 2024/25 and marked his debut with a goal against Bristol City in November, yet despite his obvious promise, his minutes were limited - just two starts across the campaign.

With new manager Ruben Selles ushering in a fresh tactical approach, many fans have speculated whether the exciting young forward should stay at Bramall Lane or go out on loan to get the regular football he needs.

Ryan One’s brilliant pre-season causes big decision for Ruben Selles

Following Ryan Oné’s stellar pre-season, Football League World spoke with resident Blades expert Jimmy from Blades Ramble on whether he thinks the young forward should spend the rest of his season at Bramall Lane.

“If you'd have asked me before our pre-season, I would've said send him out on loan,” Jimmy told FLW.

“I think he needs the minutes to push forward with his development. But I think the impact that he's had during this pre-season period has been so significant that he's forced his way into the reckoning.

“And if we can say now that he's going to make a positive impact on the first team, then it's more than likely he stays, and I'm for that, I'm for that. It looks like he'll be competing with Louie Barry on the left-hand side.

“What Ruben Selles wants is a flexible forward line where players can play in all three positions across the front. Ryan Oné can do that, so as much as he will be probably the first challenger to Louie Barry on the left, which is where he's played throughout the pre-season, we know that he can also play through the middle in that number nine role.

“He's yet to be tested on the right, but who's to say with the job he did on the left that he couldn't do something similar on the right-hand side.

“So what an exciting prospect for Sheffield United. Hopefully he gets some significant minutes for us this season.”

Sheffield United must make big call for Ryan One’s development

Despite Oné’s electric pre-season, a loan move away from the Blades remains a real possibility.

With experienced strikers such as Tom Cannon and Tyrese Campbell all vying for the central role, and Louie Barry staking a claim on the left, regular first-team opportunities could be limited.

A temporary switch to League One could offer Oné the platform he needs to build confidence, hone his game and play consistent football - something he struggled to get last season, with 23 games missed entirely.

The right club, playing in the right system, could help him take that next step and return to United ready to make a real impact.

There’s no doubt that Oné is among the most exciting prospects in the Blades' set-up. Whether he stays and continues to push for minutes under Ruben Selles or departs for more regular football, this season could be a crucial one in his development.