David McGoldrick thanks Sheffield United for their unflinching belief in his talents

The Republic of Ireland international entered the meeting with Frank Lampard’s side having failed to hit the target in 25 Premier League appearances since helping United gain promotion from the Championship last season.

Although McGoldrick had insisted before the fixture that “intelligence” rather than finishing was his forte, the 32-year-old also admitted that manager Chris Wilder had felt compelled to reassure him about his contribution to the squad following a match at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this term.

But speaking after the 3-0 win, which also saw Oli McBurnie find the back of the visitors’ net, McGoldrick said: “The manager has kept picking me and telling me he was pleased with what I was doing. I got a new contract recently so that also showed me he meant it and hopefully that’s a bit of pay back.

“I mentioned in the press earlier in the week that I wasn’t losing any sleep about it. I knew they (goals) would come because I’ve had chances. I got some more out there and I was able to put them away.

“I told the lads to stop worrying about it as well, because when one does come long, I’d get a brace. I think there’s many more to come. It’s a great feeling to do it.”

McGoldrick’s first came midway through the opening period, when he pounced on the loose ball after Kepa Arrizabalaga had parried away McBurnie’s deflected effort. With the former Swansea City marksman doubling United’s lead soon after, McGoldrick struck again during the closing stages as Chelsea’s rearguard made a hash of clearing Lys Mousset’s cross into the box.

Although the Londoners’ defending was woeful throughout, the scoreline reflected United’s dominance of a game they finished sixth in the table. Wilder’s men return to action at Leicester City on Thursday, before completing their fixture schedule with matches against Everton and Southampton.

“Thirty-five matches in, the points don’t lie in the table,” McGoldrick said.

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