Mansfield Town have signed midfielder Ben Whiteman on loan for the rest of the season from Sheffield United.
The 20-year-old has struggled for game-time at Bramall Lane this season as Paul Coutts, Mark Duffy and John Fleck have been in great form and kept the youngster out of a match day shirt.
Whiteman made his Blades debut in 2014 in a 2-1 FA Cup win over Crewe Alexandra, aged just 18. The youngster became involved in the match day squads last season under Nigel Adkins and made six League One appearances.
Stags boss Steve Evans was delighted with the loan signing, “Ben Whiteman is a young midfield player who is a box-to-box type [with] great energy. He can play anywhere from the right-side to the left-side, centre-mid, [he] can [also] play right-back.
“His versatility has probably been a hindrance at Sheffield United because he’s not been able to nail down a position. I think Chris Wilder arriving and getting some fantastic support, in his own admission, from his board and the quality of player, he’s just not been able to force himself in.” he said.
“The kid was presented with several options in League Two but I spent a long time on the telephone to him and young Ben will be part of the group [travelling to Blackpool] tomorrow.”
Blades manager Chris Wilder also commented on the transfer, “Ben is highly regarded by us, but the form of our midfielders has limited his chances.This is a great opportunity for him to experience league football.”
Whiteman, who joined the Blades aged 18 after being released from Manchester United, could make his debut on Monday in Mansfield’s clash with Blackpool. He made five appearances for the South Yorkshire club this season.
