Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has once again defended David McGoldrick as the wait for his first goal of the season goes on.
McGoldrick has played in 15 of the Blades’ 18 Premier League matches so far this season. No other striker has featured as much for Wilder, yet he is the only one in the squad yet to hit the back of the net.
It looked as if McGoldrick might finally break his duck at the weekend during the 1-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion. Finding himself one-on-one with Matty Ryan, the Republic of Ireland international rounded the goalkeeper before hitting his shot into the side netting.
McGoldrick had another good chance in the game, but that miss really stood out. The travelling United support were willing the ball in – not just because it would help the team, but because they appreciate the work the 32-year-old does.
Despite his struggles in front of goal, in general the fans seem to be fully behind McGoldrick.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
No goal for McGoldrick, but Wilder doesn’t care
(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The Irishman’s work both on and off the ball is what makes him such an important component for Wilder. No other forward at the club quite links up the midfield and attack so efficiently.
Both the supporters and Wilder recognise this, which is the why the Blades boss continues to back McGoldrick.
“I just said to him, I think he’s just waiting to do it in front of 30,000 supporters instead of 3,000,” the 52-year-old told the Telegraph. “The roof will come off when he does. And he will do.
“Football fans – the majority of football fans – know what the game’s about, and know players that really have a go and give it their all, and ones that pretend.
“If he was a pretender our punters would have definitely found him out and isolated him. And he isn’t. And that’s the reason he’s so well thought of not just by myself and his fellow players but our supporters.”
