Scotland striker reveals exactly what makes Sheffield United so great

Oli McBurnie, an £18m purchase from Swansea City 10 month ago, explained some of the secrets behind his new club’s success as United’s squad continue their preparations for a return to action next month.

After being promoted from the Championship last term, United were seventh in the table and only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea when Premier League competition was suspended in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“You can’t put what we’ve done so far down to one thing only,” McBurnie said. “But one of the manager’s best attributes, I think, is that he brings the right people in.

“He’s really big on getting the right characters. He really does his research on people; not only what they’re like as players but also personality and attitude wise too.

“He told me when I first came in how far the lads in the dressing room will go for each other and he was right. It’s actually really taken me aback.”

Despite being warned it would be a recipe for disaster at the highest level, United have continued to employ the 3-5-2 formation which helped them climb out of the second tier since August.

“When I was speaking to the gaffer, he said we wouldn’t be sitting back,” McBurnie added. “We’ve taken it to teams and that’s helped us.”

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