Chris Wilder has backed David McGoldrick to silence his early-season critics and start scoring Premier League goals for Sheffield United. The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international forward has been targeted after failing to get off the mark in the Blades’ opening five top-flight matches this season.
Ironically, McGoldrick, who joined Sheffield United on an initial trial in summer 2018 and then bagged 15 goals to help the South Yorkshire secure automatic promotion, has scored his first goal for Ireland in the 1-1 Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland earlier this month.
But, he has been thwarted in front of goal in the Premier League, although he has had opportunities to break his duck.
In last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Southampton at Bramall Lane, McGoldrick was twice thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper Angus Gunn when he looked certain to score.
As a result, some fans are already suggesting the Premier League could be a step-up too far for McGoldrick.
But Wilder firmly believes in the player and praised him for his all-round performances so far this term, while he is certain that the goals will follow.
He told his Thursday pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Everton: “David had that last year; his start to the season was similar but he was superb, throughout the season. “His finishes at Hull stick out… a header right in the top corner. He’ll be alright. I’d be more concerned if he wasn’t getting in that position, or shying away.”
Speaking about his attacking unit as a whole, Wilder is confident that they will score goals, highlighting the impact of summer signings Ollie McBurnie and Lys Mousset. He also revealed that Callum Robinson will also be back in the reckoning to face the Toffees after missing the Saints’ game because of “a few issues” from being on international duty with Ireland.
