Ward returned to United full of confidence but was frustrated by former Blades manager Dave Bassett's rotation policy, following a match with Watford in the First Division Ward scored twice yet still found himself on the bench for the following game. It could be argued that Ward's inability to keep his place was not due to his form, more due to his versatility, something that would be as much a burden for Ward as it would a strength, indeed throughout 7 years Ward had played in every area except goal.
Ward returned to United full of confidence but was disappointed by former Blades manager Dave Bassett's rotation policy, following a match with Watford in the First Division Ward scored twice yet still found himself on the bench for the subsequent game. It could be argued that Ward's lack of playing time was not due to his performance, more due to his versatility, something that would weigh as much on Ward as it did as an asset, indeed throughout 7 years Ward had played in every area except goal.