Credit- Alamy
For whoever comes through the door as permanent manager at Bramall Lane, one of the biggest questions they will face surrounds Oli McBurnie’s future.
The Scottish international cost a then club-record £20 million to bring to club from Swansea City in August 2019, but has managed just seven goals in his 65 appearances for United.
However, it was reported that Wolves were interested in offering the 24-year-old a Premier League lifeline, with the Blades gearing up for life in the Championship next season.
Nuno Espirito Santo will look to bolster his attacking options after a profligate season in front of goal, and a purported £15 million fee would see United recoup most of their original outlay.
For some Blades fans, McBurnie’s goalscoring abilities are simply not up to scratch. Harry Mills said: “Considering we were choosing between Maupay or McBurnie, I think McBurnie’s stats show that he hasn’t justified the money we paid. On his day, like when we played Leicester at home last season, he’s unplayable, but he massively lacks consistency.”
However, there is still some hope amongst the Bramall Lane faithful that McBurnie might realise the potential that convinced Chris Wilder to sign him.
Indeed, a season in the Championship might allow McBurnie to gain some confidence and rediscover the form that made him so popular in South Wales.
9) Oli McBurnie – not quite been his season! There’s something there, he’s only 24 & will come good, 12 starts only don’t forget. Goal return poor but puts himself about. Not going to recoup the money so a good asset next season and I’d keep. 20 goals next year? @SheffUnitedWay pic.twitter.com/IAiwTXU8kU
— Adam Wilson – The Statman – SheffUnitedWay (@adamblade83) April 27, 2021
For others, the financial aspect of any deal for McBurnie is the most important. With relegation to the second tier and the economic impact of the pandemic, United cannot afford to incur a significant loss on McBurnie. If he is to leave, it will take a significant fee to convince some United fans that the deal is best for both parties.
For me his championship record is enough to warrant a chance, especially given the lack of creativity over the past two seasons. You also have to factor in what selling at a huge loss would mean for the balance sheet. Selling an £18m ‘asset’ for £5m, won’t help future investment.
— Steve Food (@DundeeBlade) April 27, 2021
The saga surrounding McBurnie’s future, and whether a move elsewhere will materialise, looks set to rumble on throughout the summer. For whoever enters the Bramall Lane dugout, ending this uncertainty will be at the top of their list.
The sooner this decision is made, they can either begin to help the forward prepare for what could be a defining season in his United career, or seal a move away that might open space for further investment in the Blades’ frontline.
