This guy was club captain at Walsall which suggests he is both influential and has strong opinions. He was also quite probably the first name on the team sheet there -"big fish, little pond syndrome". I think its possible that may be the reason he never fitted especially if he came out with bertie big bollox stuff like "we did it this way at Walsall" etc. Or as wizadry says McGahey was simply better than him although 13 years his junior.
His commitment to United was hugely questionable and though NC publicly said he could do what he wants on his day off that to me spoke volumes and I bet NC was privately livid about that trip to Walsall. Was it to have a chat about going back I wonder?
Whatever the situation he is not the sort of player you want hanging around if he is disgruntled - and NC is big on attitude - best got rid of and put down to experience ( ie try before you buy - loan with an option to buy and never ever shop at Walsall

).
I may be wrong and he may come back and be voted player of the year but I rather suspect both sides are looking for the exit door on this one.