Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has defended Scotland striker Oli McBurnie after the striker’s visit to Swansea City. The striker was spotted in the away end at his former club’s derby match away to Cardiff City. He was then spotted giving gestures to the away end during the match.Whilst Wilder’s reminded him of a few things, the Sheffield United boss thinks McBurnie’s decision to take to the stands again was actually ‘refreshing.’
Chris Wilder said “We received a letter from the FA, talking about Oli’s future conduct, which is quite right, I believe. I’ve had a word with Oli but I’ve got no problem with him going to watch Swansea. There’s a big connection from him going down there as a young player. I think it’s quite refreshing at times that he wants to go and watch games of football and be involved in football. We’ve just had a word with him.”
Chris Wilder’s stance on the issue has reminded premier league fans on Eric Cantona and his famous Kung Fu kick. Whilst Wilder’s praising McBurnie’s decision to watch his former club to some extent, Wilder deserves some too. It’d have been easy for him to throw the striker under the bus.Instead he’s defended his man and actually gave reasoning for it. That’ll be a big boost for McBurnie after a week full of headlines written about him off the park.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has provided a fresh update on the future of Billy Sharp, words that suggest the striker will be remaining at Bramall Lane this month.
Chris Wilder said “I had another chat with Billy this week and told him about another club that is interested but my stance hasn’t changed. His message to me is that he wants to stay. He’s been upfront with me and I’ve been 100% up front with him.”
Given Sharp has started just a solitary game all season, it’s perhaps rather surprising that he doesn’t have ambitions of playing regular first-team football. However, his desire to fight for his place in the side is admirable and it’s exactly the kind of attitude that Wilder has instilled in his players at Bramall Lane.
Sharp played a pivotal part in helping Sheffield United to promotion last term, scoring 23 goals as the Blades finished second in the Championship. However, a lack of faith was shown in their forward line heading into the current season as Wilder splashed £20m on Oliver McBurnie and also decided to bring in Lys Mousset.
