Why Chris Wilder hopes Oli McBurnie's performance against Manchester City has silenced any doubters over Sheffield United's record signing

Chris Wilder hopes Oli McBurnie has silenced any lingering doubters at Sheffield United with his performance in the Blades' defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
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The £20m summer signing from Swansea has scored four goals for the Blades in the Premier League this season, and put in one of his best all-round displays against Pep Guardiola's superstars at Bramall Lane.

And Wilder said: "I thought Oli was great. He is still a young kid.

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"For us, the fee is what we had to pay. That is not his fault. But he is a young player in his first steps into the Premier League.

Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United lunges at the ball: James Wilson/SportimageOliver McBurnie of Sheffield United lunges at the ball: James Wilson/Sportimage
Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United lunges at the ball: James Wilson/Sportimage

"I thought he was outstanding. If any Sheffield United fan had any criticism of that boy, then they want to give their head a shake, really. He is still a young kid who is giving it a right go.

"He will be disappointed he did not score, but I thought his link-up play was great and he was aggressive and he asked the question. He played his part in a decent performance from us."

United were unfortunate to lost to City at the Etihad just after Christmas, and went down 1-0 on Tuesday after a superb pass from Kevin De Bruyne set up sub Sergio Aguero for a close-range tap-in.

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"From our point of view as a football club, you respect what is in the other changing room," Wilder added. "Of course you do. I have been in the game long enough.

"But we do not fear teams. We will go after them individually and as a team and club."

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