Gus Hamer and Oli Arblaster react to Oli McBurnie's emotional Sheffield United message | OneFootball

Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster have reacted to Oli McBurnie's message to Sheffield United

Oli McBurnie scored the opening goal for Hull City upon his return to Sheffield United, and despite the Tigers eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat, the Scottish forward has sent a message to Blades supporters.

It's been a difficult year for Sheffield United, who will be glad to see the back of this campaign once all is said and done.

Ruben Selles began the year in the Bramall Lane technical area, but the Spaniard's time ended as swiftly as it was disastrous, lasting just six games in charge and losing each one of them.

Chris Wilder returned to the club for a third separate stint, having been replaced by Selles over the summer after losing out in the play-off final to Sunderland, and whilst he deserves credit for dragging the club away from danger, it has still been an underwhelming year nonetheless.

Heading into their home clash with Hull, winless in six, the Blades were in desperate need of getting back to winning ways, but were pegged back after just five minutes, with former striker Oli McBurnie netting the opener for the away side.

The Scot chose not to celebrate in front of his former supporters, and has since sent a message to those fans who used to cheer his name.

Oli McBurnie sends a message to Sheffield United as Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster react

Hull would eventually lose their lead to the Blades following McBurnie's opener, with fellow former Sheffield United player John Lundstrum receiving a second yellow card being the turning point of the game.

Gus Hamer would convert from the spot in the 85th minute, before Danny Ings netted the winner with two minutes of normal time to go, giving Sheffield United all three points.

Following the game, McBurnie sent a message to both Hull and Sheffield United supporters via Instagram.

The Scot first apologised to Hull supporters following the defeat, and thanked them for their support, before going on to acknowledge the reception he got from the home crowd when he was substituted off, thanking them for the applause.

In the comment section, numerous Blades players, both current and former, showed their support for McBurnie, most notably Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster.

Both commented: "❤️❤️", showing their love for their former teammate, having shared the pitch whilst together in the Premier League.

McBurnie spent five years contracted to the Blades, scoring 29 goals and grabbing nine assists in 159 games across all competitions during his time in South Yorkshire, and is still clearly fondly remembered by Blades supporters.

He would leave Bramall Lane on a free transfer in 2024 and spent a year in Spain with Las Palmas, before returning to England with Hull on a free transfer this summer, where he has thrived with 14 goals and eight assists in 33 league games thus far.

However, things could have been very different this summer, as Sheffield United fans may not have had to applaud him as an opposition player on Saturday had things gone differently.

Sheffield United were interested in re-signing Oli McBurnie this summer before joining Hull

Indeed, Sheffield United were interested in making a return for McBurnie this summer, before the striker eventually opted to make the move to the MKM Stadium instead.

Had McBurnie returned to Bramall Lane, the Blades would almost certainly have been better off with his presence up front, with the centre-forward role proving to be a problem for the club for most of this season.

The sale of Kieffer Moore to Wrexham in the summer got rid of any physical presence up front, with none of Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell, or Danny Ings able to fill that void, leading to the eventual signing of Patrick Bamford on a free transfer outside of the window.

Bamford has done a solid job since his arrival, though he has been unable to spearhead the Blades up the table.

Had McBurnine been up top instead, things almost certainly would have been different. Clearly still admired by Sheffield United supporters, it could have been a match made in heaven.

However, he is currently shining on Humberside, and with Hull looking likely to make the top six, the Scot will be hoping to fire the Tigers to the Premier League, as Sheffield United