Ex-Man Utd bad boy Morrison given Prem lifeline as he joins Sheffield United after impressive trial

RAVEL MORRISON is back in the Premier League after signing for Sheffield United.

The former Manchester United starlet has been on trial with the Blades following the expiration of his short-term deal at Swedish club Osterunds last month.

And the 26-year-old has impressed Chris Wilder enough to earn himself a one-year contract at Bramall Lane.

The United boss said: “Ravel is an undoubted talent and we are delighted that we have put together a deal that suits all parties.

“I've spoken to a number of people about him and it is clear that he has serious ability.

“We are getting a fantastic footballer with a tremendous pedigree and this is a great opportunity for Rav, we believe we can help him get back to the level he wants to be.”

Morrison travelled to Portugal with the Blades for their pre-season training camp, and despite a minor injury ruling him out of their friendly victory over Real Betis, he still did enough to convince Wilder to give him a chance.

The Blades manager added: "He's done extremely well during his time with us and it was great to have him in Portugal.

"It wasn't about him coming and being on trial because we knew about his abilities.

"Taking him with us was basically getting to know him and what he's about, what makes him tick and how he integrates with the players. Trips like what we have been on are invaluable for that."

Morrison demonstrated his abilities in the top-flight after leaving the Red Devils for West Ham in 2012.

The ex-England youth international was tipped for a senior call-up after a stunning start to the 2013/14 campaign before a fall-out with then-boss Sam Allardyce.

He was sent out on loan to QPR, helping the Rs to promotion before heading to Cardiff City the following year.

Still frozen out at the Hammers, Morrison signed a pre-contract agreement to join Serie A giants Lazio and moved to Italy on a free transfer in July 2015.

But things failed to work out with for him in Rome and he was soon again sent out on loan as he returned to QPR first before heading to Mexico to join Atlas in August 2017.

He rediscovered his form and was soon on his way to Sweden, signing a six-month contract with Ostersunds in February.

Despite controversy away from the pitch, Morrison’s talents on it are undoubted.

And Wilder has previously shown he is not afraid to take on such challenges after bringing Ched Evans and Gary Madine to Bramall Lane.

Morrison is Wilder's fourth summer signing, joining Luke Freeman, Phil Jagielka and Callum Robinson.