Sheffield United: Oli McBurnie's name features on list of contract recommendations
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After ending a new year long barren spell, McBurnie enters tomorrow’s game against Cardiff City as the Championship’s joint-leading goalscorer having been on target nine times in his last 14 outings.
Despite his form, the 36-year-old is one of 16 members of United’s first team squad who could either become free agents at the end of the present campaign or whose loan deals are scheduled to expire in June.
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Hide AdAsked by The Star if he had encouraged Bramall Lane’s hierarchy to speak with McBurnie, ahead of his decision not to “get involved” in any future talks for fear of becoming distracted from footballing matters, Heckingbottom replied: “Oli has got his own situation. But he is (on the list of recommendations presented to directors), yes.”
McBurnie will undergo surgery to repair the hernia issue which has been plaguing him in recent weeks on Monday, with Heckingbotton confident the striker will be available for selection when United return to action following the World Cup break. After travelling to the Welsh capital, United are not scheduled to compete again until December 10, when Huddersfield Town make the short journey to South Yorkshire. Medical staff also believe Sander Berge and Max Lowe could take some part in that match after entering the closing stages of their own recovery programmes following injury.
Signed from £20m following United’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019, before helping them retain top-flight status, McBurnie has already expressed a desire to remain with United after describing them as “home”.
Heckingbottom’s comment about the Scotland international’s “situation” suggests that the deal he accepted three years ago contains some sort of clause which could trigger a 12 month option.
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Hide AdMcBurnie damaged an ankle towards the end of Tuesday’s defeat by Rotherham, which saw United begin their preparations for the trip to Cardiff in third; three points behind leaders Burnley who face second-placed Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.
Despite being spotted leaving United’s home stadium wearing a protective boot, McBurnie insisted: “The ankle is alright, it’s a bit sore and I went over on it. You know me, one more game, roll me out and I’ll deal with it during the break. It’s come at a good time, there’s a few of us who are just ‘get us out there’ and then do nothing for a few weeks.”
United had entered the derby on the back of a three match winning streak, following victories over West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City and Burnley.
Asked to describe his plans for the month long shutdown, McBurnie said: “I’m just going to relax and let my body heal a bit. I was going to look at getting away but it’s not really feasible with the surgery.
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Hide Ad“One of the best things about the Championship is that you have to get into a rhythm. You get used to it. It’s good when you’re winning and not when you’re losing. But that’s helped me get through.”