Sheffield United: Bradford City wanted Marc McNulty to play against the Blades

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed Bradford City tried to persuade him to let Marc McNulty play in Saturday's Yorkshire derby at Valley Parade.
Marc McNulty has been refused permission to face Sheffield UnitedMarc McNulty has been refused permission to face Sheffield United
Marc McNulty has been refused permission to face Sheffield United

McNulty joined Stuart McCall’s side on loan earlier this season but has been refused permission to face his parent club.

“I had a phone call yesterday afternoon, fair play to them (for trying),” Wilder said. “They have asked a question and we have declined. I think it’s a sensible thing to do, it was a short conversation.”

Marc McNulty has been refused permission to face Sheffield UnitedMarc McNulty has been refused permission to face Sheffield United
Marc McNulty has been refused permission to face Sheffield United
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McNulty, aged 24, scored his first goal for second-placed City during their draw with Southend on Tuesday. United. United climbed to fourth after beating Shrewsbury Town 3-0 but will climb above McCall’s team if they claim a seventh win in their last nine league one outings.

With Billy Sharp, Matt Done and Leon Clarke quickly emerging as Wilder’s preferred options following his appointment in May, McNulty moved to City in search of regular first team football. His situation will be reviewed early in the New Year. Caolan Lavery, who played alongside McNulty on loan at Portsmouth last year, has since completed a permanent transfer to Bramall Lane after leaving Sheffield Wednesday.

“Marc wanted to go and play, to have an opportunity to play regular first-team football,” Wilder acknowledged. “We couldn’t guarantee that for him here. But he’s a good lad and good to work with in the period that I have worked with him. We will see what happens in January.

“It’s a decision which we have made. It’s a new experience with the loan window closing.”