David Mackay, born Rutherglen, joined United on a free transfer from Dundee, where he had been associated with Graham Rix. He came with a good reputation as someone who could play at either right back or in central defence, and in his first few months at the club he impressed with his consistency. After his wife`s alleged homesickness it looked like he would be returning to Scotland during the summer of 2005, but he was unable to find a club that could match his wages and so he vowed to stay at Oxford and fight for his place. Until he changed his mind and went to play for Livingston.