Sheffield United record signing Oli McBurnie was the subject of criticism from Scotland fans again this week.
McBurnie came off the bench during the Euro 2020 win over Cyprus and is part of the squad for tonight’s match with Kazakhstan.
The Scots are already in the playoffs for next year’s Euros courtesy of their performances in the Nations League.
McBurnie has now played eight times for his country, but is yet to find the net. The form of the Blades striker is starting to grate on the Tartan Army.
Oli mcburnie worst Scotland striker of all time???
— Shite Spfl (@ShiteSpfl) November 16, 2019
Oli McBurnie is absolute garbage
— Alicia Hannah Souter (@ahsouter) November 16, 2019
Chris Wilder may have Sheff Utd in the European places, but he should be sacked for even considering calling Oli McBurnie’s agent
— Graeme McKay (@gmakaay) November 16, 2019
Everyone in Scotland: Keep possession.
Oli McBurnie: Let me try this backheel in the penalty box first.
— Mr Fixit’s Tips (@mrfixitstips) November 16, 2019
Just don’t understand what McBurnie offers to us. Doesn’t like to have his back to goal but doesn’t have the pace to run behind. Doesn’t look especially good in the air either??
— DiscussDandies (@DiscussDandies) November 16, 2019
Do Scotland fans reflect Blades view on McBurnie?
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
In what has been an excellent season for United so far, the forward has arguably been their one big disappointment.
Transfer prices simply reflect the market rather than the player, but when a £20m (BBC) club record fee is paid for someone the expectation is raised.
And for McBurnie, so far, they have not really been met.
The 23-year-old came off the bench in the first three league games of the season, scoring against Leicester City. It was a good showing and one that earned him starts in the next five outings.
Yet McBurnie hasn’t found the back of the net since. The Scot has managed just 20 minutes of game time in the last four fixtures, failing to even play in two.
David McGoldrick and fellow new signing Lys Mousset have formed a decent partnership upfront. Billy Sharp and Callum Robinson also appear to be ahead of McBurnie in the pecking order.
It is too early to write off the former Swansea City man. But the feelings of the Scotland fans are becoming increasingly common at Bramall Lane as well.