Sheffield United: Carabao Cup changes shouldn't send this message, says boss' right-hand man
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Admitting he “doesn’t like losing a coin toss, let alone a game of football,” Paul Heckingbottom’s assistant was asked if rotating United’s starting eleven might send an unfortunate message to members of Bramall Lane’s first team squad.
He replied: “No, because the changes, if we’re being honest, they don’t weaken the side because the group is that strong. I understand the point of the question and the idea behind it. I can see where you’re coming from. But we’re not putting a ‘B’ team out and I think people will look at it and think ‘That’s really strong.’ I’ve seen it at clubs before where I can see where that might happen but not here.”
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James McAtee and Reda Khadra, signed on loan from Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively, are both set to feature against Steve Bruce’s side. Max Lowe will also be hoping to start, even though his long-term future in South Yorkshire remains in doubt after he failed to appear during last weekend’s win over Millwall. The defender was brought on from the bench when United travelled to Watford during this season’s opening round of games.
“The lads who come in, they can all play on Sunday at Middlesbrough as well,” McCall said. “Who is to say this won’t be the team that goes there? Who would be surprised to see them start there?”