Oli McBurnie reacts in two words as Sheffield United make big announcement - Rob Holding also comments | OneFootball

Sheffield United confirmed Patrick Bamford's arrival on Thursday afternoon

Former Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie has been amongst those reacting to the Blades' acquisition of the experienced Patrick Bamford on a short-term contract.

The ex-Leeds United striker had been without a club since his contract at Elland Road was mutually terminated in August following the Whites' promotion to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, before such a fate was brought to an end on Thursday afternoon as he penned a deal with the Blades.

Confirmation came swiftly after it was revealed that Bamford was in talks over the possibility of a deal with the Championship strugglers, having previously been spotted in training with league leaders, Coventry City, at the Sky Blues' facilities at Ryton-on-Dunsmore.

It has been a torrid start to the current campaign for his latest employers though, with Chris Wilder's side unable to shake off the early-season rot which was set in by his successor and predecessor, Ruben Selles.

United are currently 22nd in the Championship amid the final international break of the calendar year and the final two-week gap in the EFL schedule until late March, with their attacking shortcomings once again evident in last weekend's goalless draw with an out-of-form Queens Park Rangers side at Bramall Lane.

That is despite the fact that several high-profile names and seasoned second-tier campaigners are currently on the Blades' books, although Wilder has made it rather evident that sweeping changes will be made in the upcoming and critical January transfer window.

Between now and then, Bamford will hope to do enough to earn a longer contract in S2 as he competes with the likes of Tyrese Campbell, Danny Ings and Tom Cannon, and he has already received the seal of approval from a former favourite who has excelled for one of United's divisional rivals this term.

Oli McBurnie and Rob Holding react as Patrick Bamford signs short-term Sheffield United deal

As has become the norm, United made the most of the aforementioned news across all social media platforms, albeit the signing of the 32-year-old has certainly split opinion amongst Blades supporters due to an interesting past between Bamford and Wilder.

In 2019, following promotion to the Premier League at Leeds' and Bamford's expense, Wilder was less than impressed with the striker's prior comments, before the forward also had some choice words to say about the 58-year-old as the roles were reversed in April.

However, both parties will hope to put such differences behind them and come together in order to aid the club's short-term goal which is providing stability amid a previously unexpected relegation battle.

Bamford comes to South Yorkshire with a prior record of 69 goals in 217 appearances, which led to McBurnie praising his former club for striking a free transfer agreement after Wilder recently stated that the man, who has scored six times and posted four assists for Hull since his summer switch to the MKM, should also be amongst his choice of forwards.

Responding to the club's Instagram post which revealed the signing, the Scotland international said: "Good signing!!👏🏼"

Rob Holding, who spent the second-half of last season at Bramall Lane on loan from Crystal Palace, also issued a verdict of: "We love to see it!! Up the blades!"

Bamford's former Middlesbrough teammate, Britt Assombalonga, was also in the replies approving of his ex-colleague's latest career decision, as well as many supporters from South and West Yorkshire issuing their own opinions.

Patrick Bamford's first Sheffield United appearance could be vs Sheffield Wednesday

In an interesting turn of events, it just so transpires that the Chelsea academy graduate's first appearance in red and white could come in the biggest game of United's season thus far, as they prepare to take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough next Sunday.

Having featured for Leeds in Yorkshire derbies against both sides, as well as tasting the animosity between Whites and Manchester United supporters, such a hostile environment would be no shock to Bamford, who will hope to make an immediate impression.

Wednesday are two places and 14 points behind the Blades due to a well-documented 12-point penalty after entering administration, but that will count for very little at kick-off.

Wilder, though, will be hoping that experienced heads such as Ben Mee, Tom Davies, Danny Ings and Bamford, as well as the likes of Gustavo Hamer, will be crucial in yielding a positive result that can be used as a springboard for the remainder of the season.