What Jamie McGrath would bring to Dundee United as Jack Ross chases the one that got away

Jack Ross may finally get his man as Dundee United pursue Ireland international Jamie McGrath.

The 25-year-old looked destined for a switch to Ross’ Hibs from St Mirren last summer. However, a paperwork issue put paid to that move.

The transfer window creaked shut and McGrath remained in Paisley for another few months before joining Wigan in January.

Now, with McGrath struggling for first-team football in Lancashire, United hope to seal a loan deal for him and Manchester United ace Dylan Levitt.

Courier Sport and Opta analyse what McGrath would bring to Tannadice. 

St Mirren standout

McGrath arrived at St Mirren in January 2020 and, fresh from a campaign with Dundalk, the next few months were a process of settling into new surroundings. He started just seven games.

His sole full campaign with the Buddies was in 2020/21 so we will use that season as a comparator.

McGrath would finish as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals in all competition.

For context, Nicky Clark took that crown for United last season with 11.

Jamie McGrath, finally #wafc pic.twitter.com/RWTKyoHUCW

— tics (@allthingstics) January 31, 2022

McGrath played more league minutes (2,838) than fellow midfielders McAllister, Ethan Erhahon, Ilkay Durmus, Cammy MacPherson and Jake Doyle-Hayes.

He averaged 0.8 shots from inside the box per game; only behind Durmus.

He made 311 successful passes which ended in the final third, with MacPherson — now at St Johnstone — his nearest challenger on that front with 188.

McGrath’s 19 shots on target placed him in the top 20 in the Premiership — more than any Saints player and only behind Lawrence Shankland (27), in terms of United players in 2020/21.

During that season, McGrath also drew 67 fouls, allowing St Mirren to gain territory and benefit from set-pieces; nine more than Rangers’ Ryan Kent. Only Lewis Ferguson (95), Martin Boyle (91), Alan Power (75) and Marvin Bartley (73) were impeded more often.

With interest in his services swirling, including from Ross’ Hibs, McGrath struggled to hit the same levels in 2021/22.

Shots per game dropped from 1.6 to 1, touches in the opposition box per game went from 1.8 to 1.3, he touched the ball, on average, 51.1 times per match compared to 59.8 in the previous campaign.

Nevertheless, he earned a January switch to Wigan Athletic — where he would start just three games in the second half of last season.

A return north of the border could be just what the doctor ordered as McGrath seeks to rediscover his mojo.

How does that compare with Dundee United stars?

While an undoubted talisman for St Mirren, a more pertinent question is perhaps: would McGrath’s 2020/21 numbers improve the Dundee United side from last season.

The answer is an emphatic yes.

McGrath’s shot conversion rate (20%) was better than any United midfielder. Dylan Levitt came closest with 18.5%.

His xA (expected assists) per match was 0.14, only trailing Peter Pawlett (0.16).

McGrath’s xG (expected goals) per match of 0.29 blows away the Tangerine competition, with Pawlett again his closest competitor with 0.14.

He created more chances per match (1.7) than Levitt did for United last season (1.4).

Given United were often criticised for being stodgy and lacking inspiration, it should be noted that McGrath averaged 1.6 shots per game, more than any United midfielder. Ian Harkes (1.5) came closest.

In short, an in-form McGrath would be the perfect creative link between the engine room and attack; the mercurial spark lacking under Micky Mellon and Tam Courts.

Valuable versatility

United plan to prioritise quality over quantity this season.

It goes some way to explaining their patience in the transfer market. The Tangerines plan to add marquee arrivals who will strengthen the starting line-up.

That solid spine will be supplemented by academy players, continuing the club’s well-documented desire to give youth an opportunity.

However, that means versatility will be invaluable.

Players who can occupy several positions — akin to the ever-reliable Liam Smith — are worth their weight in gold; allowing tactical flexibility without a flabby squad.

McGrath fits the bill. He shone as an attacking midfielder with the Buddies but played more than 70 matches as a winger — operating on either flank — during three years with Dundalk.

He even showed an aptitude for leading the line with St Patrick’s Athletic early in his career.

European experience

While the temptation is to focus on McGrath’s impact in Scottish football — and that is United’s primary concern — he boasts admirable European experience.

McGrath has already played 14 games in continental competition for St Pat’s and Dundalk.

Among those was a heartbreaking extra-time defeat against Rosenborg in Champions League qualifying, a goalscoring performance in a win over Estonian outfit Levadia and testing showdowns with Qarabag and Slovan Bratislava.

McGrath has also represented Ireland on six occasions, scoring twice.

With United’s Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie looming large, snapping up a player who is comfortable on that stage would be a major positive.