Sheffield United star Oliver McBurnie dedicates his goal in six-goal thriller with Fulham to his little brother, as Blades forward reveals heart-breaking story after draw at Bramall Lane

Raw emotion was evident after a dramatic second half which saw Sheffield United almost lose a game they should have won from 3-1 up.

But for Blades striker Oli McBurnie, it went deeper. 

A key protagonist in the six-goal thriller, he revealed the battle younger brother Xander, 26, is facing after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

McBurnie said: ‘My little brother got diagnosed with cancer a month ago and it puts everything into perspective.’

Oliver McBurnie revealed the battle his younger brother Xander, 26, is facing after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The Blades fought hard for every ball and showed the kind of collective desire that had been missing in recent home showings

‘You think it’s hard being at the bottom of the league but he does chemo every Friday — that’s hard.’ 

‘We’ve got the best job in the world and my goal was for him. After defeats, you think it’s the end of the world. 

‘It hurts but my brother is the strongest kid I know. He’s fighting, so why wouldn’t I fight on the pitch?’

It is Liverpool away next for the rock-bottom Blades and McBurnie added: ‘What is there to fear? Everyone thinks we’re the worst team in Premier League history, so let’s show that we’re not.’