Jamie McGrath has described his decision to join Dundee United on a season-long loan from Wigan as a “no-brainer”.
United head coach Jack Ross is a long-time admirer of McGrath and, following a couple of failed attempts to snap up the Irish ace in the past, finally got his man on Wednesday afternoon.
Aberdeen were reportedly among the clubs interested in the former St Mirren favourite, seemingly prompting chairman Dave Cormack to tweet: “We rejected a loan player who wanted to come to Aberdeen due to their club’s demands.”
🎞 What our new number eighteen is capable of…@Jamie_Mc_Gra | #UnitedInPursuit pic.twitter.com/J9lJsvZrap
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) August 3, 2022
And McGrath told DUTV: “When I got the word that the gaffer (Ross) wanted me it was a no-brainer, really. I had spoken to him once or twice in the past — so I guess it’s third time lucky now.
“That was the decisive factor. A few clubs came in for me but, speaking with the gaffer, I knew straight away this is where I want to be.
“There were a few options down south, a couple up here and a few random ones from abroad. But it was a no-brainer to come here and I am really looking forward to getting going.”
European bow
Having played a full part in Wigan’s pre-season, McGrath is fit, sharp and could make a sensational debut when United host AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League third qualifying round on Thursday evening.
“There’s a big European tie coming up and hopefully I will be involved in some capacity,” he added. “There’s a great feel about the place and the club is going in the right direction.
“There’s a buzz about it. Everyone is so excited about the game on Thursday, and as a player, that’s what you feed off. I feel like there could be a few big European nights ahead.
“You can see the trajectory the club is going in and hopefully I can be a part of that going forward.”
He added: “My gut hasn’t been wrong in the past and I have a good feeling about being here.”
Jamie McGrath joins Dundee United — and could be handed dramatic Euro debut
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