Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is uncertain about the reception he will receive at Sheffield United tomorrow, having seemingly forgotten his brief stint at Sheffield Wednesday. The 32-year-old forward, now with Derby County, looks back on his loan spell at Bramall Lane in 2011/12. Despite playing for various clubs like Portsmouth, Cardiff City, and Middlesbrough, Mendez-Laing briefly trialed at Wednesday in 2021 before joining Derby in 2022.
Reflecting on his time in the Steel City, Mendez-Laing acknowledged the intense football rivalry but seemed surprised by his past with Wednesday. As he gears up for the return to Bramall Lane alongside ex-Blade Ben Osborn, Mendez-Laing remains unsure about the reception he’ll receive, contrasting Osborn’s likely warm welcome due to his long tenure and promotion with Sheffield United.
Ahead of the clash between Derby and unbeaten United in the Championship, Mendez-Laing praised the latter’s strong start, given their recent Premier League relegation and talented squad. He anticipates a competitive season ahead for both sides.