Man United player features: 5 free agents who Sheffield United must consider ASAP | OneFootball

Following relegation back down to the Championship, Sheffield United will be expecting a busy summer in the transfer market.

The Blades finished bottom of the Premier League after just one year in the top tier, and Chris Wilder will need to bring in a number of new players to help build a squad to return to the top flight.

Money may be an issue though when looking for new recruits, and the South Yorkshire outfit will likely have to dip into the free agent market as to not fall foul of the spending rules as clubs like Leicester City did.

Football League World therefore takes a look at five players who are out of contract that United should consider making a move for in the summer transfer window.

Paddy McNair

United conceded an astonishing 104 goals in the Premier League this season. It is clear that reinforcements in the back line are needed if they expect to be promoted again, and experienced defender McNair could be the perfect pickup on a freebie.

The former Manchester United defender can play all across the back line, and even in midfield if needs be. He is a fantastic utility player who can nail down a spot at centre-back for the Blades, especially with it being likely that Anel Ahmedhodzic will depart.

With the Northern Irishman's contract with Middlesbrough up in the summer, McNair would be a shrewd signing for Chris Wilder's side.

Loris Karius

Newcastle United's Loris Karius is an experienced Premier League keeper who could be willing to drop down a league to secure regular play-time.

Ivo Grbic failed to impress Blades' supporters after joining in January, conceding 25 times in just nine Premier League games, and the Croatian could be on the move already after being dropped by Wilder.

With Wes Foderingham also departing, Chris Wilder will want an experienced shot-stopper to help United excel in the Championship, and Karius could be just that.

While he did not play much at Newcastle, a lower-profile move could be just what the 30-year-old needs to kick-start his career again, away from the intense scrutiny of the top flight of English football.

Alex Mowatt

Following the exit of Oliver Norwood, the Blades will need to sign a replacement in the centre of midfield, despite having the likes of Oliver Arblaster and Gus Hamer on their book.

West Brom midfielder Alex Mowatt would be a perfect replacement. In 2023-24, the ex-Leeds United man was creatively similar to Norwood from his last season in the Championship (2022-23), while also impressing with his passing range and defensive ability.

Mowatt played 45 times in the Championship and play-offs for the Baggies, but is out of contract in the summer. He will be a huge loss if he doesn't sign a new deal, but West Brom's loss could be United's gain in the summer.

Charlie Taylor

The left-hand side of defence is an area that United may need to improve on in the summer, and Burnley's Charlie Taylor could be just the player.

Auston Trusty and Jack Robinson have hardly been convincing in the last year for the Blades, but the experience of Taylor could really be beneficial.

Utilised as a left-back for the Clarets, Taylor would likely have to play in a back three as opposed to being a wing-back if he were to sign for United - the 30-year-old has been offered a new deal with Burnley but it remains to be seen if he stays at Turf Moor.

Brandon Williams

With defence a key issue on many fronts, another versatile option on a free transfer could be Manchester United defender Brandon Williams.

The full-back, who can play on either flank, spent the season on loan at Ipswich Town, but only played 18 times as the Tractor Boys won promotion to the Premier League.

He still has a lot to prove in the Championship, and a move to recently relegated United could give him the chance to get consistent first-team football for the first time in his career.

He will have to accept a big drop on his reported £65,000 per week wages the Red Devils are paying him, as no second tier clubs will be paying him that kind of salary.

Despite struggling in recent years, there is clearly a talented player in Williams. A free transfer to the Blades and working under an experienced coach in Wilder could be the best thing for him - it would take Man United not triggering a one-year option in the 23-year-old's contract though to make it happen.