David McGoldrick expresses his delight after making a commitment to Sheffield United

The centre-forward became the third member of Chris Wilder’s squad to commit his future to Bramall Lane this week, having put pen to paper on a deal lasting until the summer of 2022.

It sees McGoldrick, aged 32, follow in the footsteps of captain Billy Sharp and midfielder Oliver Norwood - who two days ago concluded their own negotiations with United’s board of directors.

“There's nowhere else I'd rather be spending the next two years, so I'm over the moon to sign this extension and remain a part of this fantastic journey the club is on,” McGoldrick said, noting how Enda Stevens and John Fleck also made commitments before the season was suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As everyone has seen, this is a club that rewards and ties down those players that have contributed heavily to the success it's enjoyed so I'm delighted the gaffer sees me in the same bracket as Billy, Ollie and before that Enda and Flecky. I'd like to thank the gaffer and the board for getting this sorted so quickly and smoothly.”

An instrumental part of the team that gained promotion from the Championship last season, McGoldrick joined United on a free transfer in the summer of 2018 after being released by Ipswich Town. He has made nearly 70 appearances since, including 21 in the top-flight so far this term, scoring 16 goals.

After a three month break, United are scheduled to return to action on Wednesday when they visit Aston Villa. Wilder’s men will enter the game in seventh - five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand on the Londoners.

"This is a strange and horrible time for everyone, in all walks of life, and it's been tough,” McGoldrick added. “But the good news is coming back out of the club and I'm really pleased to have committed my future.

"It all starts again at Villa and that will be tough. But we believe we're 100 per cent ready."

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