Sheffield United edge past Huddersfield with McCallum’s brace
Sheffield United started their fourth pre-season friendly of the summer with a 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday, but the focus was on who wasn’t playing. Left-back Harrison Burrows missed the clash at the Shirecliffe training base after a minor issue cropped up just before kick-off, handing Sam McCallum another run-out in the number three shirt.
The Blades went behind early to a Huddersfield goal, but goals from Tom Cannon, McCallum and Tahith Chong turned the game around before the hour mark. McCallum’s strike was his second in as many games, extending his pre-season scoring streak and underlining his fitness after an ankle injury kept him sidelined since January.
Why Burrows’ absence matters for United
Assistant manager Mickey Collins confirmed Burrows’ issue was similar to the one Ryan Oné had recently - a short-term setback rather than anything serious. “We’re comfortable with it,” Collins told United’s YouTube channel. “It doesn’t appear to be long-term, so we’re happy.”
With Burrows out, McCallum slotted in at left-back and repaid the faith with another goal. The Norwich City loanee has now featured in all four of United’s pre-season friendlies, and Collins sees real competition brewing for the starting spot. “There’s going to be a good battle between him and Harrison for that shirt,” he said. “That’s exactly what we want.”
The left-back race heats up
McCallum’s form means he’s now pushing Burrows hard for a place in Chris Wilder’s starting XI. The former Norwich man has looked sharper with every game, while Burrows - a January signing from Peterborough United - has been working his way back after a disrupted pre-season.
Collins stressed the squad depth is a bonus, not a problem. “We’re not expecting a left-back to suddenly become a prolific scorer,” he added. “But if chances come, he’s shown he can take them. That’s credit to him.”
What’s next for the Blades?
United head to Rotherham United on Saturday for their fifth pre-season friendly, with Wilder likely to rotate again. The trip to the New York Stadium is a short one, but the competition for places is only getting fiercer.
Burrows is expected to be back in contention within a week, while McCallum will push for more minutes. For United, that internal rivalry is exactly the kind of pre-season story that could pay off when the Championship curtain rises in August.
