'I thought it was meant to be' - Mansfield Town's David McGoldrick makes 'special' Sheffield United admission
Mansfield Town’s David McGoldrick has looked ahead to his upcoming Carabao Cup reunion with Sheffield United
Mansfield Town’s David McGoldrick has claimed it will be “special” to come up against his former club Sheffield United at the weekend.
The 38-year-old is still revered by the Bramall Lane faithful having starred for the Blades between 2018 and 2022.
He was part of the squad that sealed promotion from the Championship in 2019 and played a key role in the top flight.
McGoldrick is still going strong and plies his trade in the third tier with Mansfield, who are due to host Sheffield United in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Sunday (August 9).
David McGoldrick relishing Sheffield United reunion
The veteran marksman told BBC Radio Sheffield: “It would have been nice if it was at the Lane because I’ve never been back there to play since I left. Obviously, the place and the club hold special memories for me, which I can’t really describe.
“But yes, it’s a great draw to play against them. Chris [Wilder] being the manager as well, they’ve obviously had different managers over the past couple of years since I’ve left.
“But Chris being back there now and playing against them will be a special feeling. When I saw the draw, I thought it was meant to be.”
Tough test anticipated
Sheffield United dropped into the bottom half of the Championship last season and Wilder has been tasked with breathing life back into the club.
However, they will be fancied to emerge victorious over the Stags and McGoldrick is anticipating a tough test.
He said: “Chris is going to have them right up for this game. He’ll want the boys to come and start the season well.
“So it’s going to be a real tough game for us at the weekend. We’re going to be the same; we want to give them a tough game.”