David McGoldrick is a regular starter for the Blades under Chris Wilder but the Blades boss faces a conundrum over the Irishman.

Arguably one of the best free-transfers United have ever made, McGoldrick was immense last season. 15 Championship goals and four assists ensured he played a huge role in promotion. His link play up front with Billy Sharp, a crucial aspect of last term.

This season has seen McGoldrick once again be central to Wilder’s plans. A slight injury in September saw him miss out on a couple of games. However, he’s since bounced back and delivered some excellent performances.

McGoldrick is the one who many fans insist makes the team tick. He unselfishly drops deep. He keeps hold of the ball in tight areas and brings others into play at the top end of the pitch.

Despite all this, Chris Wilder still faces an issue when it comes to McGoldrick.

The problem

Put simply, McGoldrick is not getting amongst the goals. He’s failed to register this season in his seven appearances. As well as not hitting the back of the net, he’s also failed to register an assist.

It’s not for a want of trying either. He had the chances against Southampton at Bramall Lane to essentially put the game to bed. Similarly last weekend at West Ham, McGoldrick spurned a golden chance to give United the lead.

Indeed, he’s right up there in terms of big chances missed. Seven already in the Premier League, putting him right up there in terms of players missing opportunities.

The solution

This is the million dollar question when it comes to McGoldrick. There’s no question he puts in excellent performances when he does play. According to Whoscored.com, ‘Mc-G’ ranks as United’s best striker in terms of ratings (6.66).

However, there is the case that goals win games and matter more. A valid point in itself, McGoldrick is the only one of United’s strikers – barring Leon Clarke – to not get himself off the mark this season.

In a nutshell, the solution is down to Chris Wilder to solve as it stands. The key with McGoldrick could be finding the right partner for him. Lys Mousset has shown glimpses in the Arsenal game in particular. Billy Sharp, of course, knows his game inside out.

It’s safe to say that Wilder will be doing his utmost to continue to get the best from David McGoldrick. It’s just a case of how.