'Special feeling' - David McGoldrick relishing Sheffield United reunion as he makes Chris Wilder prediction
Mansfield Town striker David McGoldrick will go up against his former club when Sheffield United visit the One Call Stadium this weekend.
Mansfield Town attacker David McGoldrick has said it will be a “special feeling” to face his former club ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup first-round clash with Sheffield United at the One Call Stadium.
McGoldrick spent four seasons with the Blades after arriving on a free transfer in July 2018, scoring 30 goals in 136 appearances for the club. He played a key role in helping United secure promotion to the Premier League during his first season at Bramall Lane, scoring 15 goals in 45 Championship appearances.
Having established himself as a beloved cult hero during his time in S2, McGoldrick is guaranteed to receive a warm reception from the travelling Blades supporters this weekend ahead of what could be his Mansfield debut.
The striker, who will celebrate his 39th birthday in November, joined League One side Mansfield Town in June after leaving Barnsley. Despite being 38, McGoldrick will be hoping to make a similar impact in Mansfield colours to the one he made at Barnsley last season, when he scored 18 goals in 41 appearances for the Tykes.
With a Mansfield debut potentially on the horizon this weekend, McGoldrick is looking forward to facing his former club, admitting he felt “it was meant to be” after the draw was made in June.
“It would have been nice if it was at the Lane because I’ve never been back there to play since I left,” McGoldrick told BBC Radio Sheffield. “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.”
The Blades developed a winning habit in pre-season, winning four of their six friendlies. Boss Wilder will be determined for his side to maintain that trend and start the new campaign with a win, meaning McGoldrick is expecting his old club to be up for the challenge.
McGoldrick added: “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.”