Sheffield United boss, Chris Wilder, has admitted that he has had a word with Oli McBurnie this week.
The big striker was in the national headlines earlier in the week following his behaviour in the Swansea away end. Most Blades fans thought he wasn’t doing anything wrong, but the striker was indeed reprimanded by the F.A.
CARDIFF, WALES – JANUARY 12: Sheffield United’s Ollie McBurnie watches on from the Swansea City end prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City and Swansea City at Cardiff City Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
And although Wilder admitted he had spoken to his striker about certain behaviours, he maintained he sees little wrong in McBurnie going to see his old friends in Wales.
“We’ve received a letter from the F.A. Which is quite right I believe. They are red hot on this sort of stuff,” Wilder said. (Sheffield United Twitter)
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“But I can relate. There was times when I was a player or a manager and I’d rush back to watch Sheffield United. I’ve had a word with Oli, but I’ve got no problem with him going to watch Swansea. He’s got a big connection down there.”
McBurnie had drawn equal praise and criticism from certain sections of the media. Simon Jordan had called the striker a ‘moron’ for his behaviour, while Gary Neville and Jamie O’Hara backed McBurnie’s attitude and engagement with the fans.
Chris Wilder, too, saw the positive side of things for his £20m man.
“I think it’s quite refreshing at times that he wants watch games of football. But we’ve just had a word with him about it. He just has to represent himself a touch better…and he understands that,” the Blades boss added.
Common sense
This is the most sensible answer you’ll probably see all week when it comes to the situation surrounding Oli McBurnie.
Chris Wilder spoke very well about Oli McBurnie. (Photo by Conor Molloy/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Chris Wilder handled the question expertly. He ensured the media knew the club had handled it internally while also making it clear he sees where McBurnie is coming from in his support of Swansea.
It’s just a small, but brilliant glimpse, of what makes Wilder the manager he is.
