Sheffield United star reveals David McGoldrick has another side to his personality

Despite finding himself without a club when he joined United in the summer of 2018, McGoldrick’s career has blossomed since moving to South Yorkshire - helping Chris Wilder’s squad climb into the upper reaches of the table and regaining his place in the Republic of Ireland team before agreeing a new contract last month.

The 32-year-old has won an army of admirers with his performances ahead of Wednesday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which could see United climb to within a point of sixth place with only four matches remaining.

Although McGoldrick cuts a quiet, reflective figure off the pitch, Baldock explained his cerebral image masks a more forceful side to his personality.

“Didzy is one of the best guys I know in football,” the defender said. “He has so much respect from all the lads and when he talks, people listen.

“He’s a leader. He links up play, roughs it up when he needs to and he’s so vocal. He’s been like that from the moment he came through the door.”

Like Baldock, McGoldrick is among a clutch of United players who have successfully made the transition from Championship to top-flight football after winning promotion last season. Wilder’s men began their preparations for the meeting with Wolves in eighth after drawing with Burnley on Sunday.

Although Wilder has developed a habit of rotating his attackers this term, no centre-forward at Wilder’s disposal has made more league starts than McGoldrick since August - despite the fact he has yet to open his account at the highest level.

“When he is playing so well, nobody is really bothered about that,” Baldock said. “He puts such a shift in.

“When he has an opinion, everyone stands and listens.

“He knows the game inside out, as you can tell by the intelligence of his play. His voice packs a punch in the dressing room, definitely.”

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