The 33-year-old was keen to return to Australia to fix his reputation among local fans after not scoring a single goal in his 26-cap international career.

However, no offers from A-League clubs were forthcoming.

Western Sydney Wanderers showed strong interest in McDonald's signature during the January window but the move was scuppered when his club at the time, Motherwell, demanded a transfer fee.

The Wanderers have since moved on, recently signing two attacking marquee players from Spain, while it's believed no other clubs made a serious move for him.

"I had options in the (Scottish) Premiership and down south, but I believe that I can achieve success here," McDonald told Dundee United's website.