Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka has extended his contract until the end of the season. The 37-year-old returned to the club last summer after 12 years with Everton.
Phil Jagielka Extends Sheffield United Contract
Staying for the Right Reasons
Jagielka has barely featured for the Blades in the league this season. The performances of the defence, particularly John Egan in the centre of their back five, have kept the experienced defender on the bench for much of the campaign.
However, when he was brought back, minutes on the pitch were probably not the biggest attribute Chris Wilder was looking for. Instead, he wanted an experienced player who could be a leader in the dressing room.
The former England defender appeared on the bench in the 3-0 thrashing against Newcastle United on Sunday despite not being fit enough to play. Wilder admitted that he could “only have come on in the last 10 minutes at Newcastle.”
Wilder Delighted to Keep Jagielka On
With Egan suspended after his red card against Newcastle and Jack O’Connell likely to miss out again, there is room for Jagielka to start in tomorrow’s game against Manchester United – but only if he can shake off an ankle injury.
Wilder said: “He’s not played as much as he would have liked because of the performances of John Egan, but he’s turned up every day to training in good spirits and cajoled and supported the group and is prepared to put his body on the line when needed.”
The Blades will also be without star goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the trip to Old Trafford as he is ineligible to feature against his parent club. Back-up stopper Simon Moore, who played in the reverse fixture in Henderson’s place, will likely deputise again.
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